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Expanded the history section to make it more accurate and easier to understand. Changed the description from "non-profit organization" to "interdisciplinary center" because it is no longer a non-profit organization. Added some the center's areas of work with citations. Removed some language that seemed promotional. Changed official website because it was out of date.
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{{COI|date=September 2020}}
{{COI|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
|name = International Risk Governance Center
| name = International Risk Governance Center
|logo = [[File:IRGC-red big.png|200px|IRGC's brand logo]]
| logo = [[File:IRGC-red big.png|200px|IRGC's brand logo]]
|type = [[Nonprofit organization]]
| type = [[Interdisciplinary Center]]
|focus = [[Risk governance]]<br />[[Risk management]]<br />[[Regulations]]
| focus = [[Risk governance]]<br />[[Risk management]]<br />[[Regulations]]<br />[[Policy]]<br />[[Science]]
|founded = [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]] (2003)
| founded = [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]] (2003)
|headquarters = [[École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne]]<br />[[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]]
| headquarters = [[École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne]]<br />[[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]]
|area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
|website = {{URL|https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/}}}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/}}
}}


The '''International Risk Governance Center''' ('''IRGC''') is an independent [[non-profit organisation]], based at [[École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne]] (EPFL) in [[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]]. It is an interdisciplinary organisation that works to improve the understanding, [[risk management|management]] and [[governance]] of emerging systemic risks that may have significant adverse consequences for human health and the environment, the economy and society.<ref>[http://www.irgc.org/about/mission-and-purpose/ Mission and Purpose] ''IRGC''. Retrieved 10 April 2015</ref>
The '''International Risk Governance Center''' ('''IRGC''') is a neutral interdisciplinary center based at the [[École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne]] (EPFL) in [[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]]. It exists to improve the understanding, [[risk management|management]] and [[governance]] of emerging and systemic risks that may have significant adverse consequences for human health and the environment, the economy and society. Its mission includes "developing concepts of [[risk governance]], anticipating major risk issues and providing risk governance policy advice for key decision-makers."<ref>[http://www.irgc.org/about/mission-and-purpose/ Mission and Purpose] ''IRGC''. Retrieved 10 April 2015</ref>


IRGC develops [[risk governance]] strategies, that focus on involving all key stakeholder groups, including citizens, governments, businesses and academia.
IRGC develops risk governance strategies that focus on involving all key stakeholder groups, including citizens, governments, businesses and academia.


==History==
==History==
IRGC was established by the [[Swiss Federal Assembly]] as an independent and international body to bridge increasing gaps between science, technological development, decision-makers and the public.<ref>[http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/federal-gazette/2003/2363.pdf Botschaft über die Förderung von Bildung, Forschung und Technologie in den Jahren 2004–2007]. Federal Gazette (2003). Retrieved 06 August 2014.</ref> IRGC was formally founded in [[Geneva]] as a private foundation in June 2003.<ref>[http://www.edi.admin.ch/esv/05263/index.html?webgrab_path=aHR0cDovL2VzdjIwMDAuZWRpLmFkbWluLmNoL2QvZW50cnkuYXNwP0lkPTI4MDE%3D&lang=deStiftungsverzeichnis Eidgenössisches Departement des Innern] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312053110/http://www.edi.admin.ch/esv/05263/index.html?webgrab_path=aHR0cDovL2VzdjIwMDAuZWRpLmFkbWluLmNoL2QvZW50cnkuYXNwP0lkPTI4MDE%3D&lang=deStiftungsverzeichnis |date=2016-03-12 }}. Retrieved 06 August 2014</ref>
IRGC began as a non-profit called the International Risk Governance Council in 2003. It began when academics from various countries proposed to the [[State Secretariat for Education and Research|Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research]] to create an international and independent body with the mission to develop and implement concepts and actions to improve the governance of risk. The [[Swiss Federal Assembly]] then created the Council to bridge increasing gaps between science, technological development, decision-makers, and the public.<ref>[http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/federal-gazette/2003/2363.pdf Botschaft über die Förderung von Bildung, Forschung und Technologie in den Jahren 2004–2007]. Federal Gazette (2003). Retrieved 06 August 2014.</ref> It was formally founded in [[Geneva]] as a private foundation in June 2003.<ref>[http://www.edi.admin.ch/esv/05263/index.html?webgrab_path=aHR0cDovL2VzdjIwMDAuZWRpLmFkbWluLmNoL2QvZW50cnkuYXNwP0lkPTI4MDE%3D&lang=deStiftungsverzeichnis Eidgenössisches Departement des Innern] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312053110/http://www.edi.admin.ch/esv/05263/index.html?webgrab_path=aHR0cDovL2VzdjIwMDAuZWRpLmFkbWluLmNoL2QvZW50cnkuYXNwP0lkPTI4MDE%3D&lang=deStiftungsverzeichnis |date=2016-03-12 }}. Retrieved 06 August 2014</ref>[[Mariano Gago|José Mariano Gago]], the former Portuguese Minister for Science and Higher Education, was the first chairman of the Foundation Board followed by [[Don Johnston|Donald J. Johnston]] and Granger M. Morgan. [[Wolfgang Kröger]] was the founding rector.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History|url=https://irgc.org/about/history/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=IRGC|language=en-US}}</ref>


⚫
In July 2012, the Council was granted special consultative status with the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] (ECOSOC).<ref>[http://csonet.org/content/documents/e2013inf6.pdf List of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council as of 1 September 2013]. United Nations Economic and Social Council. Retrieved 06 August 2014.</ref> As of January 1, 2013, the International Risk Governance Council signed a formal collaboration agreement with EPFL and moved to Lausanne. The goal of this move was strengthened collaboration with academia, which allowed the Council to expand its academic network and further develop its science-based approach. In July 2014, it became a member of the [[Sustainable Development Solutions Network]] (SDSN).<ref>[http://unsdsn.org/news/2014/07/24/sdsn-welcomes-new-members/ SDSN Welcomes New Members]. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Retrieved 06 August 2014.</ref>
In June 2012, IRGC moved its offices from Geneva to the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland. IRGC signed a formal collaboration agreement with EPFL that came into effect on January 1, 2013, according to which EPFL will support IRGC’s mission and activities.<ref>[http://www.irgc.org/about/history/ History] ''IRGC''. Retrieved 10 April 2015</ref>


In 2016, the Council became the International Risk Governance Center (IRGC) at EPFL, where it continues to develop the original mission and activities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=EPFL International Risk Governance Center|url=https://irgc.org/about/epfl-international-risk-governance-center/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=IRGC|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
In July 2012, IRGC was granted special consultative status with the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] (ECOSOC)<ref>[http://csonet.org/content/documents/e2013inf6.pdf List of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council as of 1 September 2013]. United Nations Economic and Social Council. Retrieved 06 August 2014.</ref> and in July 2014, became a member of the [[Sustainable Development Solutions Network]] (SDSN).<ref>[http://unsdsn.org/news/2014/07/24/sdsn-welcomes-new-members/ SDSN Welcomes New Members]. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Retrieved 06 August 2014.</ref>


==Activities==
==Activities==
IRGC's work is rooted in the IRGC Risk Governance Framework,<ref>{{cite web |title=Risk Governance Framework |url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/page-139715-en-html/ |website=International Risk Governance Center |publisher=IRGC |access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> as well as subsequent frameworks that were developed to apply more specifically to the governance of emerging and systemic risks. It applies these frameworks to a wide range of specific risk domains, focused increasingly on risks associated with emerging technologies.
IRGC's work is rooted in the IRGC Risk Governance Framework,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Risk governance framework|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/risk-governance-framework/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref> which was developed to provide guidance to organizations and society for identifying and managing risks in situations of complexity, uncertainty or ambiguity. IRGC develops risk governance concepts and has developed numerous frameworks, including on the governance of emerging<ref>{{Cite web|title=Emerging risks|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/emerging-risks/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref> and systemic<ref>{{Cite web|title=Guidelines for the governance of systemic risks|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/guidelines-for-the-governance-of-systemic-risks/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref> risks. These frameworks are applied to a wide range of specific risk domains.


IRGC’s frameworks are used by numerous institutions and organizations, including the [[European Food Safety Authority]],<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2009|editor-last=Renn|editor-first=Ortwin|editor2-last=Dreyer|editor2-first=Marion|title=Food Safety Governance|url=https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-540-69309-3|language=en-gb|doi=10.1007/978-3-540-69309-3}}</ref> the [[Health Council of the Netherlands]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ministerie van Volksgezondheid|first=Welzijn en Sport|date=2006-04-27|title=Health significance of nanotechnologies - Advisory report - The Health Council of the Netherlands|url=https://www.healthcouncil.nl/documents/advisory-reports/2006/04/27/health-significance-of-nanotechnologies|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.healthcouncil.nl|language=en-GB}}</ref> the US [[Environmental Protection Agency]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Document Display {{!}} NEPIS {{!}} US EPA|url=https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/P1005GR1.TXT?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=2006+Thru+2010&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QvvvvvcField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D:%5Czyfiles%5CIndex%20Data%5C06thru10%5CTxt%5C00000012%5CP1005GR1.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1&SeekPage=x&ZyPURL|access-date=2021-08-18|website=nepis.epa.gov|language=en}}</ref> the [[OECD]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=OECD|date=2020|title=SHAPING THE COVID-19 RECOVERY: Ideas from OECD's Generation Y and Z|url=https://www.oecd.org/about/civil-society/youth/Shaping-the-Covid-19-Recovery-Ideas-from-OECD-s-Generation-Y-and-Z.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Tõnurist|first=Piret|last2=Hanson|first2=Angela|date=2020-12-24|title=Anticipatory innovation governance: Shaping the future through proactive policy making|url=https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/governance/anticipatory-innovation-governance_cce14d80-en;jsessionid=nhlMTmJfwlk0Szo4e2xIU0Sn.ip-10-240-5-101|language=en|doi=10.1787/cce14d80-en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=OECD|url=https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/view/?ref=131_131917-kpfefrdfnx&title=A-Systemic-Resilience-Approach-to-dealing-with-Covid-19-and-future-shocks|access-date=2021-08-18|website=read.oecd-ilibrary.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Systemic Thinking for Policy Making: The Potential of Systems Analysis for Addressing Global Policy Challenges in the 21st Century|url=https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/governance/systemic-thinking-for-policy-making_879c4f7a-en|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.oecd-ilibrary.org|language=en}}</ref> and the [[European Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=NRA - European Commission|url=https://drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Knowledge/Science-for-DRM/NRA|access-date=2021-08-18|website=drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu|language=en-US}}</ref>
The IRGC Risk Governance Framework provides guidance for early identification and handling of risks involving multiple stakeholders. It recommends an inclusive approach to frame, assess, evaluate, manage and communicate important risk issues, often marked by complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity. The Framework is generic and adaptable, and can be tailored to various risks and organisations. The Framework comprises four interlinked elements, with three cross-cutting aspects.


At EPFL, IRGC is one of the centers that act at the interface between academic research and education, and business and policy. IRGC interacts with the EPFL community and contributes a risk governance approach to their activities.
The Framework has been used and discussed in many institutions and organisations, including the [[European Food Safety Authority]],<ref>Dreyer, M. and Renn, O. (eds) (2009) ''Food Safety Governance: Integrating Science, Precaution and Public Involvement'' (Heidelberg and New York, Springer)</ref> the [[Health Council of the Netherlands]],<ref>Health Council of the Netherlands (2006) Health Significance of Nanotechnologies, (The Hague: Health Council of the Netherlands: publication no. 2006/06E</ref> the [[UK Treasury]],<ref>UK Treasury Department (2005) “Managing Risks to the Public: Appraisal Guidance”, Draft for Consultation, HM Treasury Press, London</ref> the US [[Environmental Protection Agency]],<ref>US EPA (2009) Potential Nano-enabled Environmental Applications for Radionuclides. EPA-402-R-06-002, Washington: EPA.</ref> and other private and public organisations.


In recent years, IRGC has focused increasingly on risks associated with emerging technologies. Currently, IRGC is active in the areas of [[nanotechnology]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=NANORIGO – NANOtechnology RIsk Governance|url=https://nanorigo.eu/|access-date=2021-08-18|language=en-US}}</ref> [[climate engineering]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=FOEN|first=Federal Office for the Environment|title=International Affairs: Studies|language=en|url=https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/topics/international-affairs/publications-studies/studies.html|access-date=2021-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Combatting climate change through a portfolio of approaches|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/combatting-climate-change-through-a-portfolio-of-approaches/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref> the low-carbon transition,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sanctuary|first=Hillary|last2=IRGC|date=2021-02-18|title=The time to take low-carbon transition risks seriously is now|url=https://actu.epfl.ch/news/the-time-to-take-low-carbon-transition-risks-serio/|language=en}}</ref> [[space debris]] collision risk,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kriening|first=Torsten|date=2021-07-11|title=#SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Addressing the limitations of our current approach to collision risk from space debris|url=https://spacewatch.global/2021/07/spacewatchgl-opinion-addressing-the-limitations-of-our-current-approach-to-collision-risk-from-space-debris/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=SpaceWatch.Global|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-07-10|title=Le danger du chaos spatial|language=fr|work=Le Temps|url=https://www.letemps.ch/monde/danger-chaos-spatial|access-date=2021-08-18|issn=1423-3967}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Les débris spatiaux, casse-tête pour la gouvernance internationale|url=https://www.heidi.news/sciences/les-debris-spatiaux-casse-tete-pour-la-gouvernance-internationale|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.heidi.news|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Buchs|first=Romain|date=2021-06-04|title=Collision risk from space debris: Current status, challenges and response strategies|url=https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/285976|access-date=2021-08-18|website=Infoscience|language=en}}</ref> [[deepfake]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Swiss scientists are trying to spot deepfakes|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sci-tech/manipulated-media_how-swiss-scientists-are-trying-to-spot-deepfakes/45595336|access-date=2021-08-18|website=SWI swissinfo.ch|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Risk governance and the rise of deepfakes|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/spotlight-on-risk-series/risk-governance-and-the-rise-of-deepfakes/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref> and governance of digital technology.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Viscusi|first=Gianluigi|last2=Collins|first2=Aengus|last3=Florin|first3=Marie-Valentine|date=2020-09-23|title=Governments' strategic stance toward artificial intelligence: an interpretive display on Europe|url=https://doi.org/10.1145/3428502.3428508|journal=Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance|series=ICEGOV 2020|location=Athens, Greece|publisher=Association for Computing Machinery|pages=44–53|doi=10.1145/3428502.3428508|isbn=978-1-4503-7674-7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Governance Of and By Digital Technology {{!}} hosted by EPFL & IRGC|url=https://gobdt.ch/|access-date=2021-08-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Using “proof of personhood” to tackle social media risks|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/spotlight-on-risk-series/using-proof-of-personhood-to-tackle-social-media-risks/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref>
IRGC has also produced Guidelines for Emerging Risk Governance,<ref>{{cite web |title=Emerging Risks |url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/page-139716-en-html/ |website=International Risk Governance Center |publisher=IRGC |access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> Guidelines for the Governance of Systemic Risks,<ref>{{cite web |title=Systemic Risks |url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/systemic-risks/ |website=International Risk Governance Center |publisher=IRGC |access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> resource guides on resilience,<ref>{{cite web |title=Resilience |url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/resilience/ |website=International Risk Governance Center |publisher=IRGC |access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> and the guide Involving Stakeholders in the Risk Governance Process.<ref>{{cite web |title=Focus on Stakeholder Involvement |url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/focus-on-stakeholder-involvement/ |website=International Risk Governance Center |publisher=IRGC |access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref>


Past areas of focus include [[biosecurity]],<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Trump|first=Benjamin D|last2=Galaitsi|first2=Se|last3=Appleton|first3=Evan|last4=Bleijs|first4=Diederik A|last5=Florin|first5=Marie-Valentine|last6=Gollihar|first6=Jimmy D|last7=Hamilton|first7=R Alexander|last8=Kuiken|first8=Todd|last9=Lentzos|first9=Filippa|last10=Mampuys|first10=Ruth|last11=Merad|first11=Myriam|date=2020-07-01|title=Building biosecurity for synthetic biology|url=https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.15252/msb.20209723|journal=Molecular Systems Biology|volume=16|issue=7|pages=e9723|doi=10.15252/msb.20209723|issn=1744-4292|pmc=PMC7373080|pmid=32692486}}</ref> [[precision medicine]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Precision medicine|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/specific-risk-domains/projects-precision-medicine/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref> [[synthetic biology]],<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Haffner|first=Julie|date=2019-07-16|title=Evaluating the risks posed by synthetic biology|url=https://actu.epfl.ch/news/evaluating-the-risks-posed-by-synthetic-biology/|language=en}}</ref> unconventional gas development, [[bioenergy]], and critical infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Resilience|url=https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/concepts-and-frameworks/resilience/|access-date=2021-08-18|website=www.epfl.ch|language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Areas of focus==
IRGC's activities focus on emerging risk issues, slow-developing catastrophic risks, risk governance deficits, and the fostering of risk governance cultures worldwide.

IRGC is active in the areas of [[nanotechnology]], [[unconventional gas]] development, [[carbon capture and storage]], [[solar radiation management]], digitalization, [[energy transition]], [[deepfakes]] and space debris. Previously, it has done work on critical [[infrastructures]] and [[bio-energy]].<ref>http://www.irgc.org/issues/ Issues. ''IRGC''. Retrieved 25 April 2015.</ref>

IRGC is involved in two EU [[Horizon 2020]] projects: TRIGGER,<ref>{{cite web |title=TRIGGER |url=https://trigger-project.eu/ |website=TRIGGER |publisher=TRIGGER |access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> which focuses on risk governance for digital technology, and NANORIGO,<ref>{{cite web |title=NANORIGO |url=https://nanorigo.eu/ |website=NANORIGO |publisher=NANORIGO |access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> which aims to develop and implement a transparent, transdisciplinary Nanotechnology Risk Governance Framework and a related Risk Governance Council.


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.irgc.org Official Website]
*[https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/ Official Website]


{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:Risk management]]
[[Category:Risk management]]
[[Category:Foundations based in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Foundations based in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Geneva]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Switzerland]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Switzerland]]

Revision as of 20:00, 18 August 2021

International Risk Governance Center
FoundedGeneva, Switzerland (2003)
TypeInterdisciplinary Center
FocusRisk governance
Risk management
Regulations
Policy
Science
HeadquartersÉcole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
Area served
Worldwide
Websitewww.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/

The International Risk Governance Center (IRGC) is a neutral interdisciplinary center based at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland. It exists to improve the understanding, management and governance of emerging and systemic risks that may have significant adverse consequences for human health and the environment, the economy and society. Its mission includes "developing concepts of risk governance, anticipating major risk issues and providing risk governance policy advice for key decision-makers."[1]

IRGC develops risk governance strategies that focus on involving all key stakeholder groups, including citizens, governments, businesses and academia.

History

IRGC began as a non-profit called the International Risk Governance Council in 2003. It began when academics from various countries proposed to the Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research to create an international and independent body with the mission to develop and implement concepts and actions to improve the governance of risk. The Swiss Federal Assembly then created the Council to bridge increasing gaps between science, technological development, decision-makers, and the public.[2] It was formally founded in Geneva as a private foundation in June 2003.[3]José Mariano Gago, the former Portuguese Minister for Science and Higher Education, was the first chairman of the Foundation Board followed by Donald J. Johnston and Granger M. Morgan. Wolfgang Kröger was the founding rector.[4]

In July 2012, the Council was granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).[5] As of January 1, 2013, the International Risk Governance Council signed a formal collaboration agreement with EPFL and moved to Lausanne. The goal of this move was strengthened collaboration with academia, which allowed the Council to expand its academic network and further develop its science-based approach. In July 2014, it became a member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).[6]

In 2016, the Council became the International Risk Governance Center (IRGC) at EPFL, where it continues to develop the original mission and activities.[7]

Activities

IRGC's work is rooted in the IRGC Risk Governance Framework,[8] which was developed to provide guidance to organizations and society for identifying and managing risks in situations of complexity, uncertainty or ambiguity. IRGC develops risk governance concepts and has developed numerous frameworks, including on the governance of emerging[9] and systemic[10] risks. These frameworks are applied to a wide range of specific risk domains.

IRGC’s frameworks are used by numerous institutions and organizations, including the European Food Safety Authority,[11] the Health Council of the Netherlands,[12] the US Environmental Protection Agency,[13] the OECD,[14][15][16][17] and the European Commission.[18]

At EPFL, IRGC is one of the centers that act at the interface between academic research and education, and business and policy. IRGC interacts with the EPFL community and contributes a risk governance approach to their activities.

In recent years, IRGC has focused increasingly on risks associated with emerging technologies. Currently, IRGC is active in the areas of nanotechnology,[19] climate engineering,[20][21] the low-carbon transition,[22] space debris collision risk,[23][24][25][26] deepfake,[27][28] and governance of digital technology.[29][30][31]

Past areas of focus include biosecurity,[32] precision medicine,[33] synthetic biology,[34] unconventional gas development, bioenergy, and critical infrastructure.[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ Mission and Purpose IRGC. Retrieved 10 April 2015
  2. ^ Botschaft über die Förderung von Bildung, Forschung und Technologie in den Jahren 2004–2007. Federal Gazette (2003). Retrieved 06 August 2014.
  3. ^ Eidgenössisches Departement des Innern Archived 2016-03-12 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 06 August 2014
  4. ^ "History". IRGC. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  5. ^ List of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council as of 1 September 2013. United Nations Economic and Social Council. Retrieved 06 August 2014.
  6. ^ SDSN Welcomes New Members. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Retrieved 06 August 2014.
  7. ^ "EPFL International Risk Governance Center". IRGC. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  8. ^ "Risk governance framework". www.epfl.ch. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  9. ^ "Emerging risks". www.epfl.ch. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  10. ^ "Guidelines for the governance of systemic risks". www.epfl.ch. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  11. ^ Renn, Ortwin; Dreyer, Marion, eds. (2009). "Food Safety Governance". doi:10.1007/978-3-540-69309-3. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  12. ^ Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (2006-04-27). "Health significance of nanotechnologies - Advisory report - The Health Council of the Netherlands". www.healthcouncil.nl. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
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