Risk Sciences International

  • Understanding risk icon animation

    Understanding
    Risk

    When
    understanding risk,
    evidence and data
    matter.

  • Risk Sciences International 20

    Managing
    Risk

    When
    managing risk,
    finding solutions requires
    navigation skills.

  • Risk Sciences International 21

    Communicating
    Risk

    When
    communicating risk,
    clear signals lead to
    better decisions.

Risk ™

Understanding, Managing, and Communicating Risk

The Risk Sciences International toolbox

Tackling risk requires tools, hence the RSI toolbox which is divided into three familiar pillars.
Whether you need to understand, manage, or communicate risk, RSI has experience picking the right method to provide decision support.

Among the tools listed in our three U | M | C pillars above, some stand for being the most often requested.

A 60-month sampling of our areas of expertise

Please find below some of the many fields in which RSI has intervened over the past five years (2017-present). Note that these are only some of our sectors among those dating back to 2006. Also note that RSI staff professional experience stretches back into the 1950s.

Some of the actual projects we have worked on

A small sampling of work performed by RSI staff... (in no particular order)

Communicating
Managing
Managing
Understanding
Communicating
Managing
Communicating
Managing
Communicating
Understanding
Managing
Technology
Consultations
Clinical diagnositcs
Forum
Managing
Understanding
Understanding
Methodology

HIV / AIDS

10-year global campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and support the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment

Nuclear power

Scientific advice and content for nuclear power reactor licensing

Governance

Crisis management during critical election cycle of a United Nations agency

Pharmaceutical

Analysis of events and processes that lead to a contraceptive drug recall

Cancer

Production of 'Cancer is...' - a five-part television documentary series on the state of cancer worldwide

Waste

Strategic guidance to an international convention on transboundary waste

Flooding

Communications strategy for a national flood portal designed to make citizens aware of risks to their property if left unprotected or uninsured

Blood services

Conception of a coherent risk management framework to guide decision-making on the delivery of blood services by stakeholders

Smoke

Perception analysis of wildfire smoke to also support revisions of the health messages used in the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

Airport

Analysis of major international airport's traffic and logistics patterns and their risks

Assessment platform

Concept development and deployment of an industry-specific, climate resilience platform

Municipal risk

Online municipal risk and return on investment tool

Fluoride

Expert panel organized to provide national guidance on fluoride in drinking water

Manganism

Updating of clinical diagnostic criteria for manganism

Country foods

Organization of national expert forum on country foods

Plasma

Creation of Plasma Risk Management Model related to national immunoglobulin (IVIG) supply

Food safety

Creation of Problem Formulation Framework for multilateral food safety authority

Cognitive decline

Synthesis of evidence regarding the effect of aging on cognitive abilities of physicians

Artificial intelligence

Framework and methodology on transition away from testing chemicals on animals

RSI 3x3 Granularity matrix

A 3x3 Matrix explaining how RSI works from the high level policy level right down to the most precise and granular level, in each of the three cases, across our three pillars: understanding, managing, and communicating risk.

Risk Sciences International 22 Understanding risk Risk Sciences International 23 Managing risk Risk Sciences International 24 Communicating risk
at the policy level at the policy level at the policy level
at the process level at the process level at the process level
at the precise level at the precise level at the precise level
  • Risk Sciences International 25

    Understanding

    risk

Understanding
policy risk

In today's complex landscape, from intricate compliance mandates to unpredictable market forces, decision-makers in boardrooms and government offices face defining challenges and decisions. Institutional resilience and sustainability depends on identifying and understanding medium- to long-term risks while uncovering new opportunities. In all cases, senior leaders need risk guidance that rises to the level of their higher needs.

Understanding policy risk

RSI...

RSI leverages its extensive experience in high-level risk policy to offer tailored analysis that directly addresses the unique needs of senior policymakers, boards, investors, and top executives.

Understanding
process risk

Investors, managers, and consultants are aware of the risks associated with what one 'does'. If you build or deliver it, there is a risk that can ultimately affect staff, customers, even society. How about a virtual or ancillary process? How important is it to understand risks and opportunities associated with new HR software or a manufacturing approach? 'Doing' something requires an understanding of risk.

Understanding process risk

RSI...

RSI excels at uncovering obscured elements in processes. Crucial details can lurk within manuals or a single worker's practice. Identifying these hidden threats is key to understanding process risk. RSI combines science and experience to address the toughest process risk challenges.

Understanding
precise risk

Working on high-level or process risks matters. Working on the risk of a detail can matter as much, if not more. Many clients need to discover the risks associated with a specific chemical or a highly specific aspect of an enterprise or specialized activity. What will be the impact on a community if a factory's output increases by 7%? What will be the impact to São Luís, if the temperature rises by one degree?

Understanding precise risk

RSI...

RSI is dedicated to each segment of its 3x3 service matrix. Many clients appreciate our focus on 'understanding precise risk'. While RSI offers a broad range of services, its approach to both policy and process levels is distinct. Furthermore, RSI places emphasis on detailed intervention, with the team skilled in nuanced analysis.

  • Risk Sciences International 26

    Managing

    risk

Managing
policy risk

In decision settings, effective risk management extends beyond subject-matter expertise; it demands an understanding of the institutional nuances and limitations faced by senior leaders and stakeholders. A board chairman, CEO, or secretary-general decides based on risks and opportunities that are forcibly different than operational-level decisions. These decisions are not necessarily more important; they are, however, different in scope.

Managing policy risk

RSI...

RSI's team, with members who have held top roles across private, public, and civil society sectors, offers pragmatic risk management support for leadership. Their expertise ensures reliable advice for managing high-level organizational risks.

Managing
process risk

Traditionally, most of the risk-related services offered by consultancies, concentrate on process risk management. Unfortunately, in too many cases, the focus is on exclusively making a system more efficient as opposed to addressing risks and uncovering opportunities. While efficiency is important, evaluating, calculating, preventing, and solving risk challenges is far more critical to an organization's sustainability or growth.

Managing process risk

RSI...

RSI concentrates on solutions that enhance efficiency while emphasizing risk prevention, mitigation, or adaptation. While offering technical assistance and service deployment, RSI consistently prioritizes capacity-building. In essence, teaching how to fish...

Managing
precise risk

Fixing little things is often what keeps big things safe. Whereas managing a broader process relies heavily on knowing what to do, fixing a detail – or any smaller unit – requires reliable 'evidence' and sticking to that evidence when applying the fix. Managing risk at the level of minutiae is only possible if one has access to scientific, mathematical, and other evidence-based sources, without - of course - forgetting the right tools.

Managing precise risk

RSI...

Science is pivotal, and RSI scientists stand out in detailed risk analysis. Equally vital is RSI's use of advanced computer models, decision tools, and credible evidence sources. Grasping details, or RSI's termed 'precision level' of a process, underpins RSI's offering and success.

  • Risk Sciences International 27

    Communicating

    risk

Communicating
policy risk

Navigating risk communication and perception for high tiers involves engaging diverse stakeholders while maintaining tone and expectations. Importantly, high-level communication requires an understanding of needs at all levels ranging from the consumer or citizen to a country president or major investor but also to media externally and staff internally. At this level, the key risk communication phrase is 'range of messaging.'

Communicating policy risk

RSI...

In risk-based, high-stakes policy messaging, trial-and-error doesn't suffice—words carry weight. RSI excels in this arena, offering services from media statements to policy documents, whether simple text or a full global campaign.

Communicating
process risk

Communicating the risk of a process is not new. For centuries, humans  have warned each other of the best or safest way to avoid or improve 'something'. And while details matter, messages must be delivered concisely to be effective. More so than policy-level communication, process-level communication requires extreme clarity. People need to be both motivated by the message but also be able to understand it fully.

Communicating process risk

RSI...

RSI prioritizes messaging goals. Dictating 'what' to do differs from equipping individuals with decision-making knowledge. Every RSI process risk communication starts with: "What is the message's goal?" For instance, is it more impactful to instruct a machine operator to keep the 'red lever down', or to explain how this action saves lives?

Communicating
precise risk

When communicating highly-detailed, well-referenced, or scientifically-precise information, clarity and relevance are mission-critical. Clarity means eliminating ambiguity or complexity; relevance requires an understanding of the target's expectations or needs. Relaying the findings of a specific chemical, for instance, will be quite different when targeting a community leader than a highly technical regulator.

Communicating precise risk

RSI...

Communicating precise level risk is intricate. It demands presenting evidence intelligibly for experts and clearly for those seeking core insights without minutiae. RSI boasts a history of conveying information with reader-tailored language, imagery, data, and crucially, tone.

RSI's Greg Paoli
From our Risk Sciences International CEO

A personal statement regarding the Risk Sciences International 3x3 matrix

After years of dedicated service to a diverse clientele spanning the public, private, and civil society sectors, we have distilled the essence of our business ethos into two guiding principles: relevance and sincerity. We understand that when clients engage with us, they do not want marketing jargon or empty promises, they want relevant services; they also seek the sincere assurance that we have both the know-how and the resources to deliver potentially life-saving guidance.

To meet these expectations, I and my staff are deeply committed to what we call ethical clarity.

Ethical clarity means that we articulate our services clearly, setting realistic expectations and avoiding inflated claims that could compromise trust. With the understanding that our work affects lives, livelihoods and the living world, when we say we can accomplish a task, it is, to the best of our knowledge, a declaration backed by real know-how and resources.

Greg Paoli
Chief Executive Officer
Principal Risk Scientist

RSI ADDED VALUE #1

Policy risk
Process risk
Precise risk

Risk Sciences International intervenes at all levels of an organization's needs, from dealing with governance and policy, to daily operational or management processes, right down to the precision level such as working on a single chemical element or component of a process.

From counseling on matters of strategic risks and opportunities, to analyzing the impacts of a specific molecule or single action, RSI delivers.

Client types and examples

Broadly, who does RSI serve? Specifically, who has RSI staff served?

Public sector

RSI works for federal Governments including defence, foreign affairs, taxation, regulation, infrastructure, and health at the national level.

RSI works for state or provincial, territorial, indigenous, municipal governments including education, healthcare, state roads, public safety, and more localized social programs.

RSI works for and with public corporations and state-owned enterprises, notably commercial organizations controlled by the state that provide goods and services which can often be found in the private sector too; these include public utilities, national airlines, and public broadcasters.

RIS works for non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) or quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations (Quangos) that, while publicly funded, operate independently of the government to some degree. These include regulatory agencies, arts councils, or research funding bodies.

RSI works with International public sector or multilaterals, set up by agreements between multiple governments to deal with issues that cross national boundaries or to provide support to developing countries. Among clients served are the United Nations and several of its agencies, World Bank, European Union and its agencies, and several international treaty organizations.

Private sector

RSI works with the energy sector including companies involved in the exploration, production, or management of energy sources like oil, gas, and renewable energy.

RSI works in the materials sector including companies involved in the discovery, development, and processing of raw materials. This can range from mining to refining and also include companies producing chemicals and forestry products.

RSI works in the industrial sector including a variety of companies such as construction, machinery, aerospace and defense, transportation, professional services, and others.

RSI works in the discretionary consumer sector including companies that produce non-essential goods and services like automobiles, consumer durables, apparel, hotels, restaurants, and other leisure facilities.

RSI works in the consumer staples sector including companies that produce necessary items such as food and beverage, tobacco, household and personal products.

RSI works in the health and healthcare sectors including health care providers and services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and life sciences companies.

RSI works in the financial sector including banks, diversified financials, insurance and real estate (including REITs). Please note that RSI does not provide financial risk services directly. Financial risk is, when needed, provided in partnership with highly specialized financial risk firms. RSI does, however, provide policy, process and particle level risk services to said institutions.

RSI works in the IT sector including software and services, technology hardware and equipment, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment.

RSI works in the communications sector including telecommunications but also media, entertainment, and interactive media & services.

Utilities: This sector includes companies that provide electricity, gas, water, and multi-utilities.

Real Estate: This sector includes real estate management and development and diversified real estate activities.

Civil society

RSI works with charities including organizations that provide services, support, and resources to various groups in need. This can include food banks, homeless shelters, and organizations supporting various health issues or disabilities.

RSI works with advocacy and lobbying groups including organizations that are involved in advocating for certain causes or issues, influencing public policy, or lobbying for legislative change. This can include everything from environmental groups to human rights organizations.

RSI works with profiessional and trade associations including organizations represent the interests of professionals in a specific field or industry, or businesses in a specific trade or sector.

RSI works with educational, scientific and research institutions including organizations focused on education, research, and the advancement of knowledge, as well as universities, think tanks, and research institutions.

RSI works with cultural, arts, and sports organizations including organizations promoting cultural activities, arts, and sports, such as museums, art clubs, sports clubs, and community theaters.

RSI staff have worked with religious and faith-based organizations including groups that are affiliated with specific religions or faiths.

RSI works with community and volunteer groups including organizations based in specific local communities.

RSI has works extensively with international NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) including those that operate across borders to address global issues like poverty, health, human rights, and environmental conservation.

a & b

A-Maps Environmental Inc.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)
AECOM Canada Limited
Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES)
Agriculture - Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Air and Waste Management Association (AWSA)
Ajilon Consulting
Alberta Health and Wellness Services
Aluminium REACH Consortium (ARC)
America Frozen Food Institute (AFFI)
America Water Works Association (AWWA)
Americal Chemistry Council (ACC)
American Blood Centers
American Cancer Society
American Childhood Cancer Organization
Arcelor
Arctic Aquatic Research Division
Associated Engineering Alberta Ltd. (ASENG)
Australian Food Safety Centre (FSC)

Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste
BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
BC Ministry of Environment (BCMoE)
BC Ministry of Transport (BCMoT)
BGC Engineering Inc.
BioVision - World Life Sciences Forum
BMW Gmbh
Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI)
Bull Hausser and Tupper LLC
Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz
Bureau de Normalization du Quebec

c

Canadian Blood Services (CBS)
Canadian Climate Forum (CCF)
Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Canadian Gas Association (CGA)
Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Canadian National (CN)
Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC)
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
Cancer Care Ontario (CCO)
Carleton University
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) of FDA
Center for Product Safety (CPS)
Central Research Institute of Japan
Centre for Public Management
Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics
Children's National Medical Center
China Institute for Radiation Protection
Chinese Center for Disease Control & Prevention
City of Barrie
City of Calgary
City of Kingston
City of Mississauga
City of Ottawa
City of Toronto
Clarity Healthcare
Clean Air Partnership
Climate Risk Institute (CRI)
Clinton Foundation
Coca Cola Company
Community of Federal Regulators (CFR)
Conceptis Inc (WebMD)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Copp Clark Ltd.
Council of Canadian Academies
Crawford and Company Canada Inc
CRDF Global
Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA)
Crown Indigenous and Northern Affairs (CIRNA)

d & e

Dankook University
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
Dene First Nation
Department of Finance Canada (FIN)
Department of Health, UK
Department of Justice Canada (JUS)
Department of National Defence (DND)
Dillon Consulting Limited
Dow Chemical Company

Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA)
Ecumenical Loan Funds For Human Development (ECLOF)
Emdata Co. Ltd.
Emmons & Olivier Resources Canada Inc. (EOR)
Engineers Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Environmental Commission of Ontario (ECO)
ESSA Technologies Ltd.
Europa Donna, The European Breast Cancer Coalition
European Aluminum Association (EAA)
European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA)
European Union (EU)

f & g & h

Federated Press
Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO)
FNC Technology Co., Ltd.
Fonterra Co-Operative Group
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Food Protection and Defense Institute (FPDI)
Franciscans International (FI)

Geneva International Airport
George Washington University
GIZ
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
Global Forum for Health Research (GFHR)
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Global Movement for Children (GMC)
Global Observatory for eHealth (WHO)
Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (WHO)
Government of New Brunswick (GNB)
Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT)
GRACE GmbH - SASforREACH Consortium
Greater Vancouver Regional District
Green Cross International (GCI)

Harvard University
Hatch Limited
Health Canada (HC)
Helmholtz Zentrum München
Homeland Security Centers of Excellence (HS-Centers) of U.S. Dept of Homeland Security.
Hydro Ottawa

i

ICF International Inc. (ICF)
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
Industry Canada (IC)
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté
Institute for Safe Medical Practices (ISMP)
Institute of Food Research (IFR)
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO)
International AIDS Society (IAS)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
International Aluminium Institute (IAI)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
International Bridges to Justice (IBJ)
International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC)
International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)
International Copper Association (ICA)
International Council on Mining and Metals Limited (ICMM)
International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
International Federation of University Women (IFUW)
International Hospital Federation
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI)
International Manganese Institute (IMnI)
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
International Prevention Research Institute (IPRI)
International Prevention Research Institute (IPRI)
International Social Security Association (ISSA)
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
International University of Health and Welfare, Tochigi, Japan
Intersol Group Ltd.
Intertek Health Sciences Inc.
IRIS Legal
ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health

j & k & l

Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Japan Nus Company Ltd.
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Joint Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) Tof FAO/WHO
Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) UMD-FDA
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

Keio University
King & Spalding
Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Lakind Associates LLC
Lansdowne Technologies
Lapointe Engineering Ltd
Livestock Innovation Research Corporation (LRIC)
Lockheed Martin
Lumina Decision Systems

m & n

Manulife Financial Real Estate
MARS Foods (China) Co. Ltd.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Matrix Solutions Inc
McCague Borlack LLP
McCarthy Tetrault LLP
McGill University
McLaughlin Centre for Population Health
Measurement Canada (MC)
Meat and Livestock Australia
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Medicines Patent Pool (MPP)
Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane
MetroLinx
Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation, and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO)
MITACS
Mondelēz International
Morrison Hershfield
Moto Internationale
Motosport Plus
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Nagasaki University
National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
National Centre for Food Protection & Defense (NCFPD) Homeland Security Center of Excellence)
National Pork Board
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Netherlands Cancer Institute
New Brunswick Government (GNB), Dept. of Environment and Local Government
Nodelcorp Consulting Inc
NORR
Northern Climate Exchange (NCE)
Northern Ontario Public Services
Novel Futures Corporation
NTNU Regnskapsseksjonen
Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA)
Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)

o & p & q

Oak foundation
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPCC)
Ontario Association for Impact Assessment (OAIA)
Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR)
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
Ontario Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change (OMECC)
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Ontario Regional Climate Change Consortium (ORCCC)
Organization of African First Ladies Against AIDS (OAFLA)
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Phillips & Paolicelli LLP (P2Law)
PregMedic
Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC)
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Public Health England (PHE)
Public Safety Canada (PSC)
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
Public Services International (PSI)
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)

Querencia Partners Ltd.

r & s & t

R.V. Anderson Associates Ltd
Radiation Effects Research Foundation
Ramsar convention on wetlands
Regional Municipality of Durham
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Restaino Law Firm
Rio Tinto
RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership (WHO)
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
RTI International
Rutgers University
RWDI Air Inc

Science and Technology Center in Ukraine
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Small Arms Survey
Social and Scientific Systems, Inc
Society for Risk Analysis (SRA)
South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Statistics Canada (StatCan)
Stop TB Partnership
Summit Toxicology LLP
Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI

Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA)
TetraTech Inc.
The Aluminum Association (AA)
Tobacco Free Initiative TFI (WHO)
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Toronto Community Housing (TCH)
Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited
Toronto Public Health (TPH)
Torys LLP
Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment
Trade Union Advisory Committee
Transport Canada (TC)
Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada (TBS)
Trent University
TriEdge & Associates

u

UN Watch
UN-Habitat
Unilever
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
Union Network International (UNI)
UNITAID
United Nations (UN)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)
United Nations Volunteers
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Universitätsmedizin Greifswald
Université de Montréal
University of Alberta
University of Bergen
University of Calgary
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, San Francisco
University of Guelph
University of Korea
University of Manchester
University of Maryland
University of Melbourne
University of Minnesota
University of Ottawa
University of Pennsylvania
University of Prince Edward Island
University of Southern California
University of Tasmania
University of Toronto
University of Washington
University of Windsor
UNplus
US Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center - Combat Feeding Directorate (DFAS)
US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
US Dept of Homeland Security (DHS)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
USAID Office of Transitional Initiatives
USDA Agricultural Research Service - Eastern Regional Research Center (ARS-ERRC)
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

v & w & y

Vanderbilt University
Versar, Inc.

WaterSMART Solutions Ltd
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)
World AIDS Campaign (WAC)
World AIDS Day (WAD)
World Alliance for Patient Safety (WHO)
World Council of Churches (WCC)
World Health Day (WHO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA)
World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
World Urban Campaign (WUC)
World Water Day (WHO)
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF International)
World YWCA Young Women's Christian Association
WSP

Yukon College

This listing should not be considered as an endorsement or ongoing relationship by or with any of the organizations named above.

Where we have intervened

What is the geographical scope of RSI staff interventions?

RIS Work site map

RSI's head office is in Canada (Ottawa, ON).

RSI has official representatives in the USA (Washington D.C.).

RSI staff travel worldwide, providing clients on-the-ground technical assistance and capacity building.

RSI has a highly developed virtual meeting capacity including as regular organizers of large, international, online workshops and conferences.

When we intervene

At what point in the risk timeline does RSI intervene?

RSI ADDED VALUE #2

We consider both risks and opportunities.

Traditionally, consultants approach risk with the intent of fixing something that is broken, threatening, or otherwise negative. Doing so is to miss an opportunity, literally.

When seeking out risk, as with a challenging wilderness excursion, one must intuitively consider the risk, but also seek out and appreciate opportunity.

RSI staff include opportunity considerations on every project they tackle.

How we think when we generate solutions

What paradigms does RSI use to arrive at a conclusion?
How do we think our way through a project?

We think like scientists

RSI was borne by science and risk scientists. Scientific principles, math, modeling, statistics, epidemiology, and measurement are at the heart of RSI's work. Understanding, managing, and even communicating risk, though also affected by intuitive decision making, is best supported by evidence-based input.

We think like managers
We think like responders
We think like our clients

What tangible output we deliver

Ultimately, counsel takes the form of a deliverable. What does RSI deliver?

  • Evidence-based recommendations

    Usually based on the numbers, but also based on the evidence that RSI uncovers, and known results from previous similar challenges, recommendations are founded in substantiated reasoning.

  • Calculated or computed results

    From biostatistical analysis, through epidemiological studies, to probabilistic outcomes, RSI delivers the numbers that tell the story, that reveal the problem, or that point to the solution.

  • Systems, processes, software tools, communication products

    RSI does more that recommend, RSI builds, maintains, disseminates, and otherwise provides clients with the tools they will need on their risk journey.

How we interact with clients

RSI has given thought to the style of interaction it wishes to have with its clients.

(1) Give clients the assistance they need to achieve their goals, or (2) build a client's capacity to sustainably achieve and manage their goals, or (3) actually build and deploy solutions the client can use to achieve their goals.

Technical assistance

RSI's work is evenly split between technical assistance and capacity building. The former is the traditional service offering of accompanying the client in the resolution of an issue.

Capacity building

Capacity building is the 'teaching how to fish' paradigm. To some degree, all of RSI's work involves sharing as much methodology as the client wishes so as to empower them with the necessary knowledge to face future, similar challenges. Of all approaches, this is by far the most sustainable.

Build and deploy

RSI includes staff qualified to build and deploy a variety of tools. Having the internal capacity to program applications, host them, as well as produce communication output and disseminate it, is unique among risk services providers.

Outcomes, according to our clients

According to our clients, what changes most often come from RSI guidance?

  • Organizational change

    At its highest manifestation, RSI's interventions lead to organizational change, or evolution. Of note, change does not imply upheaval but rather evolution towards more risk-based systems and processes.

  • Better informed decision making

    Risk is quickly becoming the critical factor in public, private, and civil sector decision-making. "Is my policy right for my constituents?" "Is this action sustainable or threatening to the biosphere?" "Will my decision be met with support or resistance?" "Is this the right system to implement?" To some degree, every RSI intervention affects decision-making.

  • Improved compliance

    Regulatory bodies provide an essential filter for society. Whether appreciated, or not, the process remains inevitable for access to market. RSI specializes in providing risk-based compliance guidance.

RSI ADDED VALUE #3

Scientific foundations 

RSI's commitment to scientific methods is a testament to its belief that addressing risk and opportunities is not a task to be taken lightly; using opinion-based guidance alone can cost actual lives and livelihoods. Recommendations must be verifiably evidence-based.

RSI scientists come from social sciences, life sciences, medical sciences, physical sciences and engineering, computer sciences, and communication sciences.

Our staff's mindset

Earlier, we described 'how we think' at RSI; there is also the question of mindset.

While it may sound redundant, to RSI there is an important distinction. On the one hand, as we said, we think like scientists, like managers, and like responders. On the other hand, there is the question of how we approach a risk solution; what mindset do we adopt? It's the "How should I be looking at this risk or opportunity?" question.

In RSI's case, our staff have told us how they think they approach this question.

  • Analytic

    Solving risk-related challenges involves a high degree of analysis using evidence-based input. RSI's scientific roots, and scientific staff, serve its clients well inasmuch as analysis, as per RSI's definition, is not interpretation; it is much closer to calculation and evaluation. We are very good at both crunching numbers and taking apart a process one small step at a time.

  • Pragmatic

    Most, but not all risk-related work requires an analytic mindset. Knowing when to go with a workable solution, over a perhaps more perfect one, is a necessary attribute when giving counsel. RSI strives to deliver real-world advice based both on the evidence, but also on the ability to implement and achieve a solution. Budgets, human resources, regulatory frameworks, these are just some of the potential criteria for making pragmatic recommendations.

  • Empathetic

    Seeing the world through someone else's eyes is not effortless, it requires a conscious attempt at understanding that person's needs. In its work, RSI strives to see the world as either our client does or how their stakeholders do. For instance, if we are asked to advise on the impact of a given process to a community, RSI has the experience to understand, or uncover, how that community might perceive the issue. Indeed, RSI is one of those companies that believes that the taking into account the interest of a client's stakeholders translates into a win-win.

Official RSI logo

A practical example of what we do

Websites often showcase the best attributes of an organization, sometimes to the point of overwhelming the visitor with information. To simplify, let's zoom in and consider a tangible example that encapsulates what Risk Sciences International does.

Picture a factory — a microcosm of complexities, risks, and stakeholders.

Now, let’s break down the multifaceted risks involved:

  • Health & safety: What are the sound levels like, and how might they affect workers' health?
  • Compliance: Are all operations in line with regulatory standards?
  • Perception: How do both the staff and the surrounding community perceive safety and future expansions?
  • Legal concerns: Are there any potential liabilities?

 

Once we've identified these risks, the decision-making process kicks in:

  • Prevention vs. mitigation: Which risks should be prevented outright, and which merely mitigated?
  • Forecasting: How can we predict future risks — through data modeling or empirical studies?
  • Implementation: Should changes be enacted rapidly, or is a gradual approach more effective?

 

RSI specializes in navigating this maze. We tailor our approach to various clients and industries but remain focused on one thing: addressing risks and opportunities that have real-world consequences or benefits on lives and livelihoods.

When you step back and look at RSI's overarching picture, you will find that it is all about creating safer, more sustainable outcomes — one organization, one risk, and one solution at a time.

An ability to combine approaches

Is RSI truly multi-disciplinary? Does it have the capacity to deliver on, for example, both scientific analysis and ERP? Or, how is it that RSI can work for the highest rings of a federal government, but also for a small enterprise or NGO in a remote region?

RSI believes that through its diverse human resource capacity, it aptly combines the different ways of solving puzzles.

  • Subject matter expertise + Sciences + Math

    Similarly, RSI is able to both conceive a process, but also deliver the information technology that makes that process possible. From accurate calculation tools, through database projects, and even engagement platforms, the work is done in-house.

  • Process + Software development

    Similarly, RSI is able to both conceive a process, but also deliver the information technology that makes that process possible. From accurate calculation tools, through database projects, and even engagement platforms, the work is done in-house.

  • Understanding, through managing, to communicating

    Perhaps its greatest synergy, is RSI's breadth of offer within the risk spectrum ranging from the most scientific assessment, through the most challenging management recommendation, right up to the messaging that will make that decision reach the required targets.

Diverse, qualified, growing, in-house expertise

It takes a village. What does RSI's village look like?

  • Staff with academic and scientific backgrounds

    RSI is privileged to have a cohort of scientists, some of whom still teach at university, hailing from social sciences, physical sciences and engineering, medical sciences, computer sciences, and communication sciences.

  • Staff with executive and operational experience

    These are staff who come to RSI from either the public or private sector with experience that contributes to RSI's grasp of real-world constraints but also possibilities.

  • Staff with technical expertise

    Technical expertise is critical to software development, communication & campaigning, and so many other aspects of the work RSI does. It is RSI's policy to, as much as possible, have the technical expertise related to its deliverables available in-house.

  • Staff with a combination of the above

    Many of our staff have combined experience.

  • A dedicated business development and project management team

    Responding to RFPs in a timely and precise manner is essential to efficient project delivery. So too is effective project management. RSI has a dedicated team for both vital functions.

RSI ADDED VALUE #4

Surge and crisis capacity

Clients often need a contractor who can meet sudden surges in work, sometimes with tight turnaround times. Other times, clients require the ability to perform when circumstances impose urgency.

RSI staff have been tested, and regularly deliver, when surges and crises demand both responsiveness and efficacy.

RSI by the numbers

A commitment to deliver, then, now, and into the future

1,000+

publications

1,000+

Over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications published by RSI experts since its founding

100+

reviews

100+

Over 100 systematic and authoritative reviews completed

500+

lectures

500+

Over 500 university lectures in risk science delivered by RSI experts to date

10,000+

participants

10,000+

Over 10,000 participants in risk science and communication master classes

250+

meetings

250+

Over 250 scientific meetings and conferences attended by RSI experts

300+

clients

300+

Over 300 private and public sector clients served by RSI experts

±150

countries

±150

RSI experts have delivered projects in roughly 150 countries

15M+

adverse events

15M+

14,590,339 distinct adverse event reports from FAERS and 776,904 from CVAR

300+

chemical assessments

300+

Over 300 chemical assessments conducted by RSI

150+

micro-biological assessments

150+

Over 150 micro-biological assessments conducted by RSI

The last word

In summary...

In a world characterized by uncertainties, risk influences individuals, corporations, governmental bodies, and civil society organizations alike. Risk Sciences International (RSI) has devoted years to the cultivation of an exceptional team, committed to remaining at the forefront of industry knowledge, and constantly exposed to rigorous, real-world projects. This meticulous approach to team-building underscores our recognition of the severe implications of inadequate risk practices.

Risk Sciences International 28From its inception, RSI has aimed to offer unparalleled UNDERSTANDING of risk through the recruitment of experts specialized in diverse sectors. Our team consists of professionals with backgrounds in public health, urban infrastructure, simulation and modeling, communication, among other disciplines. Comprised of both academic scholars and staff with real-world experience, RSI is equipped with the necessary tools and methodologies to address a myriad of challenges. Whether a project necessitates cutting-edge algorithms, comprehensive risk policy analysis, or impactful perception analysis, our experts provide targeted solutions.

Risk Sciences International 29

Risk Sciences International 30While comprehending risk is crucial, RSI places equal emphasis on MANAGING risk. We possess the operational acumen to collaborate with clients facing time-sensitive challenges, supported by a team trained to deliver prompt responses around the clock. While not all risk events necessitate immediate action, our preparedness for such exigencies sets us apart. Our capabilities extend to developing risk prevention strategies, stakeholder engagement, and technological solution implementation.

Risk Sciences International 31Finally, COMMUNICATING has emerged as a vital aspect of risk response. RSI is proficient in executing both simple news releases and complex international campaigns, as well as highly technical communiqués. What distinguishes us is our ability to produce substantive content. Unlike conventional risk communication firms, RSI's communicators are backed by in-house scientists. This evidence-based approach is foundational to engendering trust, and RSI excels in leveraging this evidence for maximum benefit.

When lives and livelihoods are at stake, we hope that you will choose Risk Sciences International as your partner.

There are many pages and posts to visit on risksciences.com.
The limited suggestions below could be a good starting point.

And just for fun

Five quick questions to see how well you know RSI.

The 'knowing RSI' fun quiz

The 'knowing RSI' fun quiz

Responses are not saved. This is just a fun, anonymous, five question quiz to see how well you know RSI.

press Enter
In what year was RSI legally formed?
Which of these symbols represents 'communicating risk'?
When tackling risk, RSI believes that looking for opportunities is equally important.
Which of these is not one of the 3x3 RSI levels?
Which of these client types does RSI serve through external experts?
Which of these is not one of the 3x3 RSI service matrix pillars?

Use Shift+Tab to go back
Risk Sciences International

Connect with us

Welcome to our RSI Connect system.

Due to the high volume of spam and in the interest of serving our stakeholders effectively, we use our secure RSI Connect system.

If you would rather email us directly, you can but our reply may be slightly delayed. Our support email address is: important at connect.risksciences.com.

Monique Macdonald

cares about your message,
and will get it to the right person promptly.

Monique, RSI's Office Administrator, joined RSI in 2017.

RSI's Monique MacDonald

Official representation

Ottawa, ON, Canada

Washington, DC, USA

Contact

Telephone: +1 (613) 260-1424

Email: important at connect.risksciences.com

Hours

9:00 - 17:00 EST

Emergencies handled 24/7