A framework for understanding and dealing with tensions in risk science

Marja Ylönen and Terje Aven

Journal of Risk Research, 2025, vol. 28, issue 6, 571-588

Abstract: In all sciences, tensions—apparent and hidden—exist between different ‘schools’, environments and persons on scientific knowledge and processes, reflecting conflicting or opposing views and perspectives. So it is also for risk science. In this article, we present a framework for identifying, understanding, characterising and dealing with such tensions within risk science. The framework is built on organisational and management studies on tensions and paradoxes, and highlights sources and processes creating tensions, responses to tensions and the effect of responses, in addition to the tensions themselves. Applying the framework on some selected tensions, we show how the framework can be used to understand and deal with the issues. Two examples are highlighted, applied versus generic risk science, and safety risks versus security risks.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2025.2539110

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