Wharton Risk Management and
Decision Processes Center
The Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center, established in 1985, is a research center affiliated with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Engaging students and faculty throughout the University in collaborations, research projects, and other partnerships, the Center is recognized worldwide as a leader in risk-related research and policy analysis. The Risk Center also serves as a bridge between scholars at Penn and organizations and decision-makers in the public and private sectors.
Student Solutions to Climate Risk Management Challenges
Submissions due by March 15th
The top 10 graduate and top 10 undergraduate submissions will be featured. We’d love to hear about things students, our communities, and our country can do! Learn more.
2020 Russell Ackoff Doctoral Student Fellowships
Grant proposals due by March 20th
The Russell Ackoff Doctoral Student Fellowship program provides grants to Penn doctoral students who are pursuing research in decision making under risk and uncertainty. Learn more.
2020-2021 Undergraduate Student Fellows Program
Applications due by March 29th
The program provides undergraduates education, career development, and practical engagement on climate risk management, disaster resilience, and sustainability topics. Learn more.
Introducing our five new Research Labs!
Through these Labs, the Wharton Risk Center is continuing its core work in areas like risk communication and disaster management, expanding into new arenas, such as political risk, and also deepening our ongoing research in areas of global significance, such as climate change and terrorism.
2019 Wharton Risk Center Annual Report
We’re pleased to share our 2019 annual report. You will find details of our five new Research Labs and highlights of outreach and engagement activities, news items, publications and conferences, as well as a directory of staff, faculty, and research fellows associated with the Risk Center.
Climate Risk Solutions
Over the summer, researchers across the University of Pennsylvania proposed a total of 30 solutions to climate risks. Researchers from across multiple schools, departments, and research centers at the university are represented, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of this project. A synthesis report can be found here.
NEW DIGITAL DIALOGUE
For larger scale disaster events, there are several federal assistance programs that are typically activated to support recovery. Unfortunately, these programs fail to provide needed assistance to the most vulnerable people. What policy changes need to be made to support effective recovery for low income households?
Featured Publications
In the News
Why We Underprepare for Disasters
The Weather Channel (Video)
Howard Kunreuther discusses the decision-making obstacles that cause people to fail to prepare for extreme weather events.
Even as Floods Worsen With Climate Change, Fewer People Insure Against Disaster.
The New York Times
Last fall, the Risk Center convened FEMA staff, along with insurance representatives and state officials, to talk about ways to get more Americans to buy flood insurance. But ideas presented new obstacles, whether practical, legal or political
To make sure its utilities survive climate change, California needs liability law reform
Los Angeles Times
Op-ed by Carolyn Kousky: “Just as business-as-usual emissions are no longer tenable, neither is business-as-usual disaster policy.”
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Contact
Wharton Risk Management
and Decision Processes Center
St. Leonard’s Court | Suite 130
3819 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
P: 215-898-5688
F: 215-573-2130