This training course will provide participants with current frameworks and tools to identify, assess, and manage social risks, with a particular focus on the growing challenge of project risks linked to mis- and disinformation. The course is designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to consistently and systematically address these risks in order to maximize social value.
Through the introduction of international frameworks, participants will gain practical tools and skills for social risk management and disinformation response. They will learn strategies to engage communities and stakeholders effectively, supporting major infrastructure projects, including those related to climate adaptation and mitigation.
The course draws on the work of the Australian National University Institute for Infrastructure in Society (ANU I2S), including the 3Ps (Place, Project, Proponent) Social Risk Scanner Tool, the Infrastructure Engagement Excellence (IEE) Standards, and related Project Assessment Tools. Case studies and interactive exercises will highlight practical applications, with special attention to distinguishing and addressing mis/disinformation. Participants will also benefit from the Disinformation in the City project and the world’s first disinformation response playbook for cities (2024), while sharing experiences and reflecting as a group to strengthen learning.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Participants should have (1) at least three years’ in-field experience in impact assessment, strategic communications, risk management, community/stakeholder engagement or sustainability in major projects; (2) a university degree; and (3) familiarity with social impact and/or risk management requirements for major projects.
Language: English
Duration: 2 days (17-18 May)
Min/Max: 15-45
Price: $485
Instructors: Professor Sara Bice, Co-Founder & Director, I2S Institute for Infrastructure in Society, ANU (Australia); Ika Trijsburg, Director Urban Analytics & Disinformation in the City Research Fellow, ANU Crawford School (Australia)
Professor Sara Bice
Sara Bice is Professor and Director, Institute for Infrastructure in Society (I2S) at the Crawford School of Public Policy, the Australian National University, where she also serves as Head, Policy and Governance Program. She is Past President, International Association for Impact Assessment and, in 2020 received the IAIA Outstanding Service Award for her ‘leadership and vision in support of impact assessment’. She has facilitated the learning of thousands of university students and professionals over two decades, working across almost two-dozen countries, including as Professor (Special International Guest) School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing. Sara’s research agenda is cross-cutting and deeply engaged with industry and government. Her research focuses on the intersection of corporations, communities and governments as they negotiate the impacts of major projects, with an aim to mitigate environmental and social risks and optimise potential benefits.
Ika Trijsburg
Ika Trijsburg draws on diverse sector expertise to address complex challenges to democracy. She leads the Disinformation in the City project across five Australian universities, and was lead author of the world first Disinformation in the City Response Playbook in 2024. In addition to her role at ANU I2S, Ika is Head of Democracy and Diplomacy at Municipal Association of Victoria. She also holds positions with the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Initiative for Peacebuilding at the University of Melbourne. She frequently provides training to government and non-government cohorts, and has provided policy guidance to key actors globally including cities, national governments, G7 RRM, Council of Europe and UN-HABITAT.