Introduction
What is Training?
Learning is perpetual. At no time is it more important than when preparing for life-saving actions. Risk science aspires to help save lives and livelihoods. Training in risk science is available in graduate university programs and professional continuing education. Some of these continuing education options are lengthier and involved, while others are short and focussed, intended as either refreshers or specialization opportunities.
Risk science is a dynamic, rapidly evolving discipline. New methods, tools, and contexts are continuously coming to light. It is critical for human resource departments, leadership, and all specialized risk-related staff to make their ongoing training a priority.
Who benefits from Training?
Risk science is a cross-cutting endeavor integrating principles, procedures and practices from multiple disciplines. It is used by a wide variety of professionals. Some aspects of risk science are, indeed, reserved for epidemiologists, biostatisticians, risk analysts and other
specialties. Conversely, all of us confront risk in our daily lives. An understanding of risk is essential to those working in urban planning, drug safety, or even labor relations. There is a need for both quantitative and qualitative knowledge and analyses, with an increasing need to factor in public facing dissemination. The time when risk science was devoted to purely technical analyses in support of risk decision-making has passed. Risk science is now relevant to policy-making, knowledge translation and mobilization, and even personal life choices.
In today’s world, education and training in risk science is relevant to all, both in the private and public sectors. To this end, Risk Sciences International is committed to strengthening and expanding its training curriculum with the distinction of teaching subject matter that supports understanding, managing and communicating risk.
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."
by President John F. Kennedy
The Service
RSI's Training offer, broadly
Risk Sciences International currently offers several training tracks:
- Made-to-order courses customized to meet your specific needs
- Master classes designed specifically for practicing professionals
- Modular, ongoing training programs leading to certifications in risk science
- Condensed seminars in risk science with cutting-edge content
RSI's Training offer, in detail
Made-to-order courses customized to meet your specific needs
Risk science makes use of a wide range of tools and technologies drawn from multiple disciplines to achieve effective risk solutions. RSI has designed a number of customized courses to meet specific client training needs, and has delivered these courses in different formats (in-person in RSI offices or a site of the client’s choosing, and virtually on various platforms). Building on this experience, RSI is able to design fully customized training programs tailored to support your organizational goals. These courses range in length and depth; RSI offers both short, highly specialized courses as well as more comprehensive, enterprise-wide training programs.
Master classes designed specifically for practicing professionals
Staying ahead matters, especially in a field that evolves rapidly. As important, improving one’s skill set is always beneficial. RSI offers a series of Master Classes designed specifically for risk professionals. These Master Classes range from highly scientific courses to operational courses designed to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The Master Classes are designed for dynamic professionals who have already attained a high level of proficiency but now aspire to even higher goals.
Modular, ongoing training programs leading to certifications in risk science
RSI offers a series of ten half-day training modules spanning all of the critical issues involved in understanding, managing and communicating risk. Each of these modules is led by an RSI expert, and includes practical examples to illustrate application of the learnings to solving real-world risk challenges. Upon completion of the ten modules, students will receive a Risk Sciences International Curriculum Certificate through the Continuing Education Programme of the University of Ottawa.
Condensed seminars in risk science with cutting-edge content
As a recognized thought leader in the field of risk science, Risk Sciences International offers condensed seminars providing participants from both the private and public sectors, with concise and incisive analyses of topical risk issues. By attending a 90-minute seminar, either in person or virtually, participants will leave with a solid understanding of the critical risk issues facing society.
What are the benefits of Training?
Ongoing training is essential for professional development and organizational success. As a relatively young discipline, few professionals will have received training in risk science. RSI is able to meet this need. Clients will benefit from our training programs by mastering the principles, procedures, and practices of cutting-edge risk science. Knowledge gained through our unique training offerings will better equip you to deal with risk management challenges – many of which can be urgent and life-threatening – in a rational, effective manner. In short, you will be able to develop your skills in understanding, managing and communicating risk to your personal and professional advantage.
What can you expect?
RSI prides itself in offering dynamic and engaging training sessions. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to interact with leading experts in risk science. Depending on the course objectives, you will be provided with state-of-the-art structured sessions teaching highly technical content in an easy-to-grasp manner. Other courses focussing on operational aspects of risk science will include engaging exercises teaching you how to make the best possible decisions in crisis situations.
On completion of the RSI training, you will have extensive course materials for reference as you incorporate your learnings into your professional activity. You will also have useful materials such as informational posters or checklists, if they are needed, to remind you of the key take-home messages.
What is our expertise in Training?
Risk Sciences International is fortunate to have senior experts who are eminently qualified instructors. Notably, the organization’s own Chief Risk Scientist, Daniel Krewski, is Professor and Director of the McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment at the University of Ottawa. RSI Principal Risk Scientist, Greg Paoli, teaches multiple organization-specific courses within several Canadian and U.S. government agencies. Chief Medical Officer Donald Mattison is an accomplished professor with years spent teaching in major U.S. universities. Other senior RSI experts including Franco Momoli and Anne Wiles, hold academic appointments at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. Cemil Alyanak, as a former head of a multinational public-interest communications group, offers master classes in risk perception and risk communication. Other senior RSI Experts, including Emma Hartnett and Todd Ruthman round out the RSI teaching faculty.
RSI Associate Experts are also highly involved in RSI Training. By drawing on their diverse skills and experiences, these experts make RSI a world leader in risk science.
All RSI trainers are internationally experts in their respective fields, and passionate about helping others to advance their skills and abilities in risk science through RSI’s broad training curriculum.
Training Ancillary Services and Tools
Beyond its broader Training offer, Risk Sciences International offers specialized services and tools. Each was initially delivered at a client's request, before being integrated into RSI's regular offering.
Risk and Crisis Communication Master Class and Boot Camp
You have worked in risk communication for years. You understand that risk communication saves lives and livelihoods. Maybe you oversaw a public health emergency campaign, or your company traversed a turbulent labor dispute that required messsaging with both information and empathy, maybe as mayor you dealt with a mass casualty event or pandemic response. Risk communication is ubiquitous. Governments, civil society, and business, need it. Sometimes you have time to prepare, other times you do not, and every time you are expected to get it right. So, what can we teach you that you do not already know? How can we take you to the next level?
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