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Forecasting and Early Warning Systems (EWSs) help societies prepare for and respond to all types of disasters, including those due to hydro-meteorological hazards. In recent years, there has been a consensus on the need for an interdisciplinary approach to forecasting, and communicating warnings and their inherent uncertainties. The integration of methods and knowledge such as risk, probabilistic and risk-based forecast, impact-based assessments, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) fields, social science and local knowledge can (1) improve the quality of forecast, (2) improve decision making and (3) support better communication of warnings and response. However, one of the biggest challenges is the need to collaborate across relevant disciplines. Therefore new ways of thinking are required on the necessary skills to facilitate more collaborative work.

This short course aims to highlight the benefits and skills required for an interdisciplinary approach in EWS in the form of a role-playing game and discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to understand more about the role of diverse disciplines, their importance in EWS and most importantly, collaborate with people from different backgrounds to come up with a successful solution. The game will be based on a hypothetical emergency situation, in which participants will be required to make decisions based on their assigned role. After the game, an active discussion with all participants will be carried out to propose take away action points on how to improve interdisciplinarity in EWS and how Early Career Scientist (ECS) can contribute to promoting this approach.
At the end of the short course participants should have:
(1) increased awareness and understanding of the roles of EWS actors
(2) Understanding of the necessity to engage and collaborate with professionals from different backgrounds
(3) Newly acquired skills to improve interdisciplinary working and communication

We especially encourage, but not limit, the participation of Early Career Scientists (ECS) interested in the field of Natural Hazards Social, Hydrological and Atmospheric Sciences as well as those who are already working or have in interest working in interdisciplinary fields.
This short course is organised by the Early Warning Systems Young Professionals (EWSYP) Network and the Water Youth Network (WYN)