This session explores innovative digital and non-digital approaches to hazard and risk education and communication, with particular attention to how they can connect research, policy and practice. It considers hazards and risks arising from natural and human-induced processes, and how innovative methods can strengthen understanding, support evidence-informed decision-making and translate knowledge into action.

Effective education and communication are central to building resilience, yet traditional methods can struggle to engage diverse audiences, connect scientific knowledge with practice or influence policy. Digital tools—including serious games, massive open online courses (MOOCs), simulations, and immersive virtual and augmented reality—can bring hazard scenarios to life and enable learners, communities, practitioners and policymakers to explore uncertainty, cascading consequences, response options and trade-offs. Non-digital methods, including role-play, participatory mapping, scenario workshops, classroom activities and tabletop exercises, can support deliberation, mutual learning, preparedness and policy.

We welcome abstracts exploring the development, application and evaluation of these innovations across contexts ranging from primary to postgraduate education, professional training, policy and implementation. Contributions addressing co-production with communities, policymakers, public authorities and practitioners are particularly encouraged, alongside work examining inclusivity, transferability and outcomes such as learning, engagement, decision-making, policy uptake and institutional change.

By bringing together researchers, educators, policymakers and practitioners, the session will share best practice, showcase cutting-edge tools and methods, and critically reflect on their contribution to hazard and risk education, decision making and practice. A PICO format will combine concise presentations with poster-based interaction and lively cross-sector discussion.