Willis Research Network Partners With University of Bologna to Deepen
International Flood expertise
LONDON, 11 June 2008 –
The Willis Research Network (WRN), part of Willis Group
Holdings Limited (NYSE:WSH), announced today that it is partnering with the
University of Bologna to include the renowned Italian institution’s flood research as
part of more a robust risk modeling offering for clients.
The University’s WRN activities are led by Professor Ezio Todini, who has held the
Chair in Hydrology at Bologna since 1980. Professor Todini is one of the world’s
leading flood and rainfall run-off researchers, with particular focus on extreme
events. His research and models are used worldwide including Europe, Africa and
China.
Professor Todini is supported by Dr Mario Martina, appointed as Willis Research
Fellow at Department of Earth and Geo-Environmental Science and the University of
Bologna. Dr Martina has worked in the field of flood modelling for over ten years.
The University of Bologna joins the WRN group of complementary flood specialists
at the universities of Princeton, Bristol, Durham, London, National University
Singapore and SEA Australia.
Professor Todini said, “The co-optation of the University of Bologna within the WRN
is an outstanding recognition of the role and qualification of the flood research
carried out over the last decade by the hydrological group of the Department of Earth
and Geo-Environmental Sciences. In terms of research programmes the WRN will
allow us to combine the essential requirements and understanding of the
reinsurance industry with the scientific approach and dedicated research of
academia. The University of Bologna team looks forward to a fruitful, interesting and
innovative research cooperation.”
Rowan Douglas, Chairman of the WRN, commented “We have had the pleasure and
privilege of working with Professor Todini and Dr Martina for some time. I am
delighted that we now have been able to take our relationship with them, and the
University, to an even deeper level. We are determined to extend Willis’s lead across
insurance related flood risk modeling and this is another important step.”
Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance broker, developing and delivering
professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource
consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the
world. Willis has more than 300 offices in some 100 countries, with a global team of
approximately 16,000 Associates serving clients in some 190 countries. Additional
information on Willis may be found at www.willis.com.