Risk sensitivity to hazard model updates: insights from the European Seismic Hazard Model

Athanasios Gkimprixis

Dr Athanasios Gkimprixis is a senior risk scientist at Renew Risk, specialising in risk modelling for renewable energy, building on his previous expertise as an earthquake catastrophe model developer and seismic vulnerability expert at Aon.

Before transitioning to the financial sector, he conducted research on seismic risk assessment for improved structural design and insurance, both as a PhD researcher at the University of Strathclyde and as a visiting researcher at UCL.

In addition to his PhD, he holds two Master’s degrees, in Seismic Design of Structures and Civil (Structural) Engineering, both from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Laurentiu Danciu

Dr Laurentiu Danciu is a senior scientist at the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) of ETH Zürich, specialising in earthquake hazard and risk modelling.

He has led the development of numerous national and regional seismic hazard models across Europe and the Middle East. Notably, he led the development of the 2020 European Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM20), now the reference for seismic hazard in the region.

ESHM20 marks a significant milestone for both the seismology and engineering communities, serving as a key input for risk assessment and contributing to the forthcoming update of European seismic design code.

He also serves as general secretary of the European Facilities for Earthquake Hazard and Risk (EFEHR).