Understanding risk
Understanding risk at RSI means systematically identifying, quantifying, and evaluating both adverse and beneficial outcomes associated with complex situations. Our approach begins with an in-depth contextual analysis, enabling us to clearly articulate the specific threats, vulnerabilities, opportunities, and strengths relevant to our client's unique circumstances. We then apply rigorous assessment methods to determine the likelihood, potential impact, and interdependencies of the identified risks. Where appropriate, RSI delivers targeted, evidence-based recommendations grounded in scientific rigor and real-world applicability. This structured process equips our clients with the insights needed to anticipate challenges, leverage opportunities, and make well-informed decisions in uncertain environments.
RSI methods used to understand risk
Understanding risk methods
The following approaches – our methods – are RSI's means for understanding clients' risks and opportunities. Each of these exist in RSI's portfolio and are internally resourced with the necessary staff expertise and needed methodologies.
Application of new approach methodologies (NAMs)
Application of new approach methodologies (NAMs) is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Application of TTC and margin-of-safety calculations
Application of TTC and margin-of-safety calculations is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Audience segmentation and profiling
Audience segmentation and profiling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Behavioral science
Behavioral science is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Benchmark dose and reference value derivation
Benchmark dose and reference value derivation is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Benchmark dose modeling
Benchmark dose modeling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Business impact forecasting (BIA)
Business impact forecasting (BIA) is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Catastrophic event modeling
Catastrophic event modeling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Chemical engineering
Chemical engineering is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Chemical exposure modeling
Chemical exposure modeling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Chemical risk assessment
Chemical risk assessment is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Community sentiment and attitudinal research
Community sentiment and attitudinal research is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Comparative analysis
Comparative analysis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Concept, model, code and decision-support tool development
Concept, model, code and decision-support tool development is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Convening goals development
Convening goals development is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Cumulative and aggregate exposure modeling
Cumulative and aggregate exposure modeling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Data analysis and mining
Data analysis and mining is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Data collection and management
Data collection and management is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Data quality assessment
Data quality assessment is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Data science
Data science is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Data sharing
Data sharing is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Data visualization
Data visualization is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Database design
Database design is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Decision science
Decision science is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Emergency capability gap analysis
Emergency capability gap analysis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Model assumption transparency
Model assumption transparency is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Model calibration and validation
Model calibration and validation is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Modeling of rare events
Modeling of rare events is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Multi-criteria decision analysis
Multi-criteria decision analysis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Occupational risk profiling
Occupational risk profiling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Pathway mapping
Pathway mapping is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Policy surveillance
Policy surveillance is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Predictive modeling
Predictive modeling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Probability distribution fitting
Probability distribution fitting is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Process mapping
Process mapping is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Psychosocial risk research
Psychosocial risk research is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Public perception research
Public perception research is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Qualitative risk synthesis
Qualitative risk synthesis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Regulatory framework mapping
Regulatory framework mapping is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Regulatory readiness assessment
Regulatory readiness assessment is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Regulatory scan
Regulatory scan is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Risk estimation
Risk estimation is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Risk framing
Risk framing is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Risk inventory compilation
Risk inventory compilation is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Risk matrices
Risk matrices is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Risk perception research
Risk perception research is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Scenario development
Scenario development is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Sensitivity analysis
Sensitivity analysis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Signal detection
Signal detection is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Statistical modeling
Statistical modeling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Statistical weighting
Statistical weighting is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Structured stakeholder input collection
Structured stakeholder input collection is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Structured uncertainty characterization
Structured uncertainty characterization is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Surveillance protocol design
Surveillance protocol design is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Survey instrument development
Survey instrument development is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Survey response analysis
Survey response analysis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
System mapping
System mapping is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Systematic evidence review
Systematic evidence review is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Threshold development
Threshold development is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Toxicological profiling
Toxicological profiling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Toxicological reference value derivation
Toxicological reference value derivation is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Uncertainty propagation modeling
Uncertainty propagation modeling is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Use of expert panels
Use of expert panels is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Use of uncertainty factors
Use of uncertainty factors is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Use of weight-of-evidence criteria
Use of weight-of-evidence criteria is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Value of information analysis
Value of information analysis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Vulnerability analysis
Vulnerability analysis is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Weighting of lines of evidence
Weighting of lines of evidence is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Work process documentation
Work process documentation is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Workshop facilitation for evidence interpretation
Workshop facilitation for evidence interpretation is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Workshop facilitation for risk framing
Workshop facilitation for risk framing is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Workshop facilitation for risk identification
Workshop facilitation for risk identification is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Workshop facilitation for uncertainty characterization
Workshop facilitation for uncertainty characterization is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Workshop facilitation for vulnerability and adaptive capacity
Workshop facilitation for vulnerability and adaptive capacity is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Workshop facilitation to surface tacit and experiential knowledge
Workshop facilitation to surface tacit and experiential knowledge is one of the methods used by Risk Sciences International to better understand risk.
Conclusion
At RSI, understanding risk is a dynamic, multi-dimensional process designed to align with your organization’s strategic goals, operational realities, and regulatory environment. It is not a static checklist but a continuous effort to equip decision-makers with the clarity needed to act under uncertainty—grounded in evidence, enriched by expertise, and responsive to emerging conditions.
Our approach integrates the following key methods:
Identify risks: We work collaboratively with clients to uncover potential threats, vulnerabilities, and missed opportunities across operational, technical, and social contexts.
Analyze data: Using rigorous data science and modeling techniques, we draw on historical patterns, real-time signals, and predictive indicators to build a robust foundation for risk understanding.
Analyze the risks: We apply both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess likelihood, impact, and cascading effects—translating complexity into practical insights.
Evaluate alternatives: RSI supports evidence-based scenario analysis to compare risk mitigation strategies, helping you weigh trade-offs and identify the most effective paths forward.
Define risk tolerance and appetite: We facilitate structured conversations to articulate acceptable levels of risk exposure, informed by your mission, values, and capacity.
Monitor risks: Ongoing monitoring ensures that key risks remain within acceptable bounds and that new or shifting risks are identified early.
Build internal capability: We design and deliver targeted training, knowledge transfer, and advisory support to strengthen your internal risk understanding and resilience over time.
RSI’s understanding risk methods are multidisciplinary, adaptable, and deeply integrated with client decision-making. Whether you are navigating emerging technologies, policy shifts, or systemic uncertainty, our process empowers you to anticipate change, respond strategically, and stay aligned with your long-term objectives.