GEM - Willis Towers Watson (WTW) Partnership: Applying Science to better understand and manage earth

GEM is very pleased to announce that Willis Towers Watson (WTW) has signed a new partnership agreement with GEM. The agreement is a commitment to work together to develop and promote better understanding of earthquake risk. WTW was a GEM funding partner in GEM’s first working program from 2009 to 2013 and has rejoined from July 2018 for a period of three years.

Rosa Sobradelo (L), Senior Research Manager, Willis Research Network, says, “GEM is a groundbreaking initiative. From the scientific perspective, I am impressed with the extent and level of development of the tools such as OpenQuake, and how GEM has managed to grow over the years”.

The Willis Research Network invests in a variety of international research initiatives to leverage science to deliver research impact into the global re/insurance industry, and to use the best science to improve business practice. “GEM and Willis share a common commitment to the development and application of science to understanding and managing earthquake risk on a global scale,” John Schneider – GEM Secretary General.

WTW has already started contributing ideas for future work, which include improving vulnerability assessment by analysing damage data from recent events, modelllng the effects of soil amplification and liquefaction on event losses, and on exposure modelling at a global scale.

GEM is set to formally welcome WTW at its next Governing Board meeting in December this year.