Taking a natural science perspective, risk is the quantification of hazard, and is derived from a function containing information on the probability of occurrence of a process (design event with a defined magnitude) and the associated potential for loss. Contemporary natural hazard management is based on the analysis and assessment of risk, and requires therefore information on both the physical environment and the anthroposphere/the society. Embedded in the national and international research network, the core competencies of the Institute of Mountain Risk Engineering are directly linked to the field of risk research. Thereby, multidisciplinary cooperation is essential for analysing and assessing risk. The focus of the Institute is to assess risks for the settlement area and for infrastructure lines. In this manner results of basic research will be directly converted into practical application, and our applied research regularly stimulates our basic research. Furthermore, results of our scientific projects will be directly integrated into teaching activities.
