RISE

RISE (Real-time earthquake rIsk reduction for a reSilient Europe) was a four-year project funded by the Horizon 2020 programme of the European Commission. It started in September 2019 and concluded in May 2023. Coordinated by ETH Zurich, RISE brought together 19 organisations from eight different European countries and five international partners.

Seismic risk is not constant. It varies in time, location, and context. For example, a recent earthquake of a certain magnitude increases for a specific period the chances for another big event to follow. In addition, the vulnerability of structures, soil conditions, and individual behaviour influence the consequences of an earthquake. Dynamic risk describes the interplay of these aspects. The primary objective of RISE was to revolutionise the way in which earthquake risk is perceived and managed by leveraging scientific and technological advancements. The vision of RISE was to move beyond the traditional static concept of earthquake hazard and risk, to a dynamic and evolving one that is influenced by multiple factors, such as location, soil conditions, topography, structural type, occupancy, and seismic activity. 

To achieve its objectives, RISE adopted an integrative, holistic view of risk reduction targeting the different stages of risk management by a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on Operational Earthquake Forecasting, Earthquake Early Warning, Rapid Loss Assessment and Recovery, and Rebuilding Efforts. The project involved earth scientists, engineering scientists, computer scientists, and social scientists. Their collective efforts significantly advanced Europe's real-time seismic risk reduction capabilities and established a new paradigm of dynamic risk. RISE has developed and validated the next generation of forecasting models, which have improved short-term and operational earthquake forecasting. 

Collaboration with various research groups across Europe ensured the quality of earthquake prediction and forecasting through validation and rigorous testing. Additionally, RISE has contributed to the establishment of sound and rational risk reduction procedures and has enhanced the preparedness of societies, emergency managers, and long-term recovery management in order to minimize the negative impact of future earthquakes and promote a more resilient Europe.