Global risk communication network
Who we are
The Global Risk Communication Network (GRCN) is a worldwide community of researchers, experts, and practitioners dedicated to improving how risks are communicated before, during, and after emergencies. Our vision is simple but ambitious: to strengthen risk communication everywhere so people, communities, and countries can make informed decisions that protect lives and livelihoods.
Risk communication is the bridge between detecting a threat and taking action. When it works, people understand what’s happening, what they need to do, and why it matters. When it fails, confusion grows, rumours spread, trust breaks down, and even the best early warning systems can fall short. In 2025, the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction highlighted the urgent need to strengthen risk communication as a core part of early warning and disaster response.
The network is open to anyone interested in how we talk about risk, including but not limited to researchers, communicators, practitioners, policymakers, responders and educators.
Get involved
Whether you’re a researcher, communicator, policymaker, responder, student, or simply someone interested in how we talk about risk, there’s a place for you in the GRCN.
Why the GRCN exists
Across the world, people responsible for communicating risk face the same challenges:
- Messages that don’t reach or resonate with the public
- Limited training, tools, and support
- A lack of shared standards or evidence on “what works”
- A divide between researchers and practitioners
- Too few trained risk communication professionals
- No single global space to connect, learn, and collaborate
What we aim to achieve
The GRCN focuses on four core areas:
Connect
We bring together people from many disciplines—public health, disaster management, climate science, humanitarian response, behavioural science, media, and more.
Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive community where members can:
- Share ideas and challenges
- Learn from each other
- Develop new approaches
- Build a recognised global profession in risk communication
Education & training
We support learning at every level, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
This includes:
- Training programmes and workshops
- Learning pathways for new communicators
- Support for universities and training institutions
- Opportunities for mentorship and professional growth
Advocacy
We champion the importance of risk communication on the global stage.
Our advocacy work pushes for:
- Greater recognition of the field
- Increased funding and resources
- Stronger support from governments, agencies, and policymakers
- Inclusion of risk communication in global disaster and health strategies
Evidence & standards
We help build a stronger foundation for the field by:
- Identifying what works across different contexts
- Creating shared frameworks, competencies, and ethical principles
- Translating research into practical guidance
- Promoting evaluation methods and metrics
- Supporting consistent, high-quality practice worldwide
Our vision for the future
We believe that effective risk communication should be:
Accessible – understandable to everyone
Trusted – grounded in evidence and transparency
Inclusive – shaped with communities, not just delivered to them
Professionalised – supported by training, standards, and career pathways
Global – strengthened through shared learning and collaboration
By building a strong, connected community, we can help ensure that people everywhere receive the information they need to stay safe and make informed choices.