The Society for Risk Analysis is a learned society providing an open forum for anyone interested in risk analysis. It seeks to: provide an avenue for individuals to discuss ideas and information as well as methodologies for analyzing risk and solving related issues and problems; promote understanding and encourage collaboration among professionals and organisations relevant to analyzing risk and providing solutions; disseminate and promote risk knowledge and their applications in research and education; and serve its members in developing and furthering their careers in risk analysis.
Publication
In early 1979, Robert B. Cumming recognized the growing need for risk researchers and practitioners to publish their work in a dedicated scientific journal. This led to the formation of an organization to support such a journal, with the certificate of incorporation for the SRA made official on August 28, 1980. The first issue of Risk Analysis appeared in March 1981.
SRA's interests: risk analysis among others
SRA broadly defines risk analysis to include risk assessment, risk characterization, risk communication, risk management, and policy relating to risk. The society's interests include: risk perception, risks to human health and the environment, both built and natural; threats from physical, chemical, and biological agents and from a variety of human activities as well as natural events; and risks of concern to individuals, to public and private sector organizations, and to society at various geographic scales. SRA publishes a glossary of definitions of key terms related to risk and fundamental principles for high quality risk analysis.
Awards
Since the first awards were given in 1984, SRA continues to value outstanding contributions to the society and to the field of risk analysis. The following are its most-sought annual awards: Distinguished Achievement Award. This award is given to any individual for his or her extraordinary achievement in science or public policy relevant to the field of risk analysis. Richard J Burk Outstanding Service Award. A recognition to the society's member for extraordinary service to SRA. Outstanding Practitioner Award. Award alternately given to a member in public and private practice for an outstanding practice in the field of risk analysis. Chauncey Starr Distinguished Young Risk Analyst Award. For an outstanding risk-analysis-related achievement in science or public policy by SRA's member and exceptional promise for continued contributions to risk analysis. Distinguished Educator Award. Awarded to an outstanding teacher, author or mentor for substantial training of new experts in risk analysis.
Presidents
The following are the past presidents of the society:
