Hybrid Experts in Disaster Risk Management: an Experience of Role Playing in International Evidence for Policy Schools

This paper analyses three training courses on the relationship between science and decision-making in disaster risk management (DRM) and civil protection, organised by the European Commission in 2020, 2022 and 2023. A masterclass on science for DRM was repeated 8 times involving 102 participants. They participated in a role-playing activity as civil protection Decision-Makers and Scientists within reference scenarios. In 2023, the role of Hybrid Expert was also introduced. When Hybrid Experts were available, Decision-Makers employed them extensively, and they performed a liaison action that, in their absence, Scientists and Decision-Makers did not perform. Their potential positive effect was recognised.