IIASA provides scientific input to the OSCE discussions on critical infrastructure dependencies

She will also present selected findings of the comprehensive OSCE Handbook on protecting Electricity Networks from Natural Disasters, which she edited and co-authored.

At the panel Dr. Komendantova will be joined by William McNamara, Protective Security Advisor – National Capital Region, US Department of Homeland Security; Sybil Derrible, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Material, and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois in Chicago; L-A Levy, Manager at the Infrastructure Security and Risk Analysis Group, Argonne National Laboratory; and others.

Panellists will give their perspective on the complexity of critical infrastructure systems and will elaborate on how to include emerging threats in risk analysis strategies.

Among specific questions to be addressed by the panel are:
- What is a critical infrastructure;
- Does understanding of critical infrastructure help to enhance security and resilience of energy networks;
- What are the challenges in improving the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.

The audience consists of representatives of public and private sectors, academia, and civil society specializing in improving resilience of critical energy infrastructures from both natural and man-made disasters.

IIASA participation in the event will strengthen further science-policy interface and through science diplomacy will contribute to finding mutually beneficial solutions to common challenges facing our nations.