Guest Lecture "Critical infrastructure disruptions and social vulnerability impacts in a systemic perspective"

📍Lossi 36-205, Tartu või Zoomis (link)

Extreme weather, pandemics, cyberattacks, and other disruptions increasingly reveal how deeply our societies are interconnected. When one system fails—whether energy, water, food, or communication—its effects can ripple across others, amplifying risks in unexpected ways. These impact chains expose both the fragility and resilience of our critical infrastructures, from the first shock to the “last mile” where individuals and communities are affected.

This public lecture explores how cascading impacts unfold, why systemic risks and “polycrises” challenge conventional crisis management, and what it takes to strengthen cooperation across sectors and disciplines. Drawing on recent research and real-world examples, it highlights how understanding—and translating—complex systems can help decision-makers, scientists, and citizens better prepare for the uncertain future ahead.

Lecturer – Alexander Fekete is Professor of Risk and Crisis Management at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences. He works in the field of security research on natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes or landslides. In particular, his research focuses on their impact on affected persons, but also on power and supply chain failures. He has gained work experience at universities, the United Nations and the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance.

In case of questions, please turn to Darja Maskin, darja.maskin@ut.ee.

Estonian Doctoral School for Social Sciences.