Fast-moving, rainfall-induced debris flow events are relatively common in the mountainous areas of the UK. The mechanisms of rainfall-induced, fast-moving debris flows will be considered as they bridge between slow mass movements and flood phenomena. A series of case studies of debris flow impacts from Scotland and overseas will be described.

A wide-ranging view of hazard and risk assessment will be delivered, encompassing semi-quantitative regional assessment and quantitative site assessments of debris flow hazards and risks. Focussing on road networks to articulate the principles, the risks will be considered in terms of those that affect road users (fatality), the socio-economic activities that the network facilitates and the road infrastructure itself.

A strategic approach to risk reduction will be used to illustrate how a clear focus on the overall goal of risk reduction can be beneficial in developing an effective strategy before homing in on the desired outcomes and the generic approach to achieving those outcomes.

The effects of climate change on debris flow hazard and risk will be considered as will the issue of where landslide risk reduction sits within sustainability. Some issues surrounding the practice of risk assessment will also be highlighted.

Professor Mike Winter is recognised for his major contributions to the practical aspects of geotechnical engineering through research and specialist consultancy at both national and international levels. He has contributed his former roles TRL and since 2019 at Winter Associates. He has published his work in more than 300 journal/conference papers and reports and also applied his knowledge to failure investigations and as an expert witness. His work has been widely implemented in specifications and standards and in professional practice. Particular contributions have been to the procedures and methodologies for landslide hazard and risk assessment and risk reduction, earthworking (particularly glacial till and high stone content materials), and the engineering use of secondary/waste materials (including spent oil shale and tyre bales). He was the external lead for Transport Scotland's Scottish Road Network Landslides Study following the debris flow events of August 2004.

His contributions have focused on the climate change impacts and the economic impacts of geohazards and delivering adaptation and enhancing resilience. He is Visiting Industrial Professor of Engineering Geology & Geotechnics at the University of Portsmouth and Visiting Professor in the UNESCO-Chair Programme on Geoenvironmental Disaster Reduction, Shimane University, Japan. He has contributed to the ISSMGE TC 202 on Transportation Geotechnics since 2003 as an Executive Member and is a founding Board Member of the International Consortium on Geo-disaster Reduction. He was Chief Scientific Editor of the Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology from 2007 to 2012 and led the organisation of the European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, which was held in Edinburgh in 2015 and is the largest conference ever held on a Civil Engineering theme in the UK.