When natural hazards such as landslides, floods, and storms destroy man-made structures and infrastructures, it can lead to cascading failures within these technical systems. This may result in the release of hazardous energy and substances, impacting both users and nearby areas. These events are known as natural hazard-triggered technical (NATECH) accidents, which pose significant risks to economies, the environment, and human safety. A notable example is the Fukushima disaster in 2011, where tsunami waves flooded nuclear reactors, causing the second most severe nuclear accident in history.

The main goal of the research group on Technical Safety is to advance knowledge to prevent and mitigate the effects of such accidents. Given the constant threat of natural hazards and the rising risk of extreme weather events, it is essential to analyze and prepare for these complex and systemic risks ahead of time. Such preparation strengthens response capabilities, reduces losses, enhances regional resilience, and ultimately contributes to building safer societies.

The research group includes experts from various fields: engineering, electricity & ICT, economics and management, social sciences, psychology and medicine, pedagogy, and urban planning. This multidisciplinary approach is key to understanding NATECH events and developing effective solutions.