Research and Development
The reinsurance of catastrophe risks forms part of Hannover Re's core business. In order to correctly assess risks, a constant transfer of knowledge between business and research – which enables Hannover Re to apply the very latest insights – is of crucial importance. In this context the company supports the highly renowned Geo Research Center in Potsdam, an institution that engages in the systematic investigation and early detection of earthquakes.
Since 2009 Hannover Re has also supported the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) project initiated by the OECD. The model is intended to help local authorities in earthquake-exposed zones to draw up contingency plans and, if disaster strikes, to facilitate the more rapid delivery of aid. The model is to be completed by 2013, with Hannover Re contributing altogether EUR 1 million to the project.
The company's ongoing dialogue with universities is another key pillar of its efforts to foster research and learning. It assists a number of institutions of higher learning in Germany in a variety of ways – including for example the University of Hannover, where it sponsors an endowed professorship in actuarial science. In 2010 our company also lent its support to a more internationally-oriented training in law at the University of Göttingen.
