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swan events, using the experience of COVID-19 as a driv- er for thinking about maritime resilience for future black swan events, not just the pandemic.

The MRS 2020 planning committee embraced this no- tion, and the program of MRS 2020 has taken shape. MRS 2020 has developed panels of experts to discuss resilience in infrastructure, the human element, the supply chain, cyber-security, inland waterways, lessons from recent di- sasters and energy … all through the lens of black swan events. The virtually offered program will be held Oct. 26- 30, with around four hours of keynotes, panels and student poster presentations each day. In addition, MRS 2020 will also host a USCG Strategic Evergreen analysis event Oct. 29-30, leveraging the unique perspectives of those attend- ing MRS. The Evergreen Program is the Coast Guard’s

Strategic Foresight Initiative, tasked with looking over the horizon to inform current planning and better prepare the

Coast Guard for an uncertain and unpredictable future.

Finally, this year’s event will also feature expanded en- gagement for students. The annual poster contest is open to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. In addi- tion, arrangements are being made for students to engage with some of the key participants in virtual Q&A sessions, offering access usually not available in international events like this.

For more information on the 2020 MRS agenda and student poster contests, please visit: https://ciri.illinois.edu/ events/11th-maritime-risk-symposium-2020

Here is a link for the MRS registration can be found at the

MRS webpage: https://ciri.illinois.edu/events/11th-mar- itime-risk-symposium-2020

The Author

Nicol & DiRenzo

Dr. David Nicol is the director of the Department of Homeland Se- curity Center of Excellence at the

University of Illinois – Critical Infra- structure Resilience Institute (CIRI) and a Franklin W. Woeltge Professor of Electrical and Computer Engi- neering. Dr. Joe DiRenzo is the director of research partnerships at the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center. A re- tired Coast Guard of? cer, DiRenzo teaches for American Military Univer- sity and Northcentral University.

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