2025 Webinar: Advancing Risk-Informed Decision-Making (RIDM) for Dams: Psychological, Philosophical,

When:  Dec 9, 2025 from 12:00 to 14:00 (ET)
Speaker(s): Irfan A. Alvi, P.E., President & Chief Engineer, Alvi Associates, Inc.

PDH’s: This webinar is eligible for 2 PDH credits

This webinar aims to advance risk-informed decision-making (RIDM) for dams by exploring psychological and philosophical considerations in RIDM, as well as potential application of artificial intelligence (AI) in RIDM. The risks considered include both failure of dams and public safety around dams.

Participants will delve into the psychological factors that impact decision-making (e.g., cognitive biases, heuristics, and group dynamics), the philosophical dimensions of RIDM (e.g., the nature of probability and uncertainty, and ethical considerations), and the potential of AI in enhancing risk assessment and decision support. The societal and cultural context of RIDM will also be explored.

By attending this webinar, dam safety professionals will gain a more nuanced understanding of RIDM and will develop skills to better navigate the complexities and uncertainties of RIDM.

Key Takeaways: 
• Review the current paradigm in the United States for risk-informed decision-making (RIDM) for dams.
• Gain an understanding of the psychological factors that influence risk perception and decision-making in dam safety management and learn strategies for mitigating their impact on RIDM processes. 
• Develop an appreciation for the philosophical dimensions of RIDM, including the nature of probability, ethical considerations, and risk attitudes that shape decision-making. 
• Explore the potential applications and pitfalls of AI in risk assessment and decision support. 
• Learn about the societal and cultural context of RIDM and compare international practices for RIDM for dams and other systems.



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