Dr. Kazuyoshi Nishijima

Current research projects

Real Time Decision Support in the Face of Evolving Natural Hazards

The present project aims, on the basis of the pre-posterior decision theory, at establishing a framework for near-real-time decision making which supports decisions on loss reduction in the face of emerging natural hazards. The types of natural hazards considered in the present project have common characteristics; i.e., the processes of natural hazard events evolve relatively slowly or precursors on the intensities of natural hazard events are available prior to the impacts of the events; hence, reactive loss reduction actions can be undertaken if required.The established framework facilitates decision makers to optimize decisions on e.g. operation of facilities, evacuation of people and assets, and early warning for natural hazards; e.g. tropical/winter storms, floods and avalanches.

Funded by Swiss National Science Foundation (August 2009 - )

Development of stochastic typhoon model in Northwest Pacific region and its application to portfolio loss estimation

A framework as well as a software tool for portfolio loss estimation due to typhoon events is established taking basis in the Bayesian statistics and Bayesian probabilistic network. The Bayesian approach enables consistent integration of historical evidence, professional experience and scientific knowledge for typhoon events. The established software tool supports decision makers in insurance industries to design their insurance policies with a better precision, by incorporating information available at any stage of decision making.

Funded by AON Benfield (January 2007 - )

Past research project

Decision Theoretical Framework for Sustainable Decision Making in Civil Engineering

The objective of this project is to provide basic principles and a rational framework for sustainable decision making from both intra- and inter-generational perspective, taking into joint consideration of societal, economical and environmental issues. The results of the project will provide an enhanced basis for societal decision and policy makers on mid and long term, and will facilitate an improvement of codes and guidelines for the design and maintenance of infrastructure facilities already on short term.

Funded by Swiss National Science Foundation (October 2006 - September 2009)

Research interests

Probabilistic modeling of natural hazard risks (special focus on tropical storm risks)

Probabilistic modeling of complex engineered systems

Engineering decision analysis under uncertainty

Structural reliability theory

PhD thesis

Issues of Sustainability in Engineering Decision Analysis, ETH Zurich, 2009.
Link to the PhD thesis at E-collection ETH.

Education

2004.12 - 2009.03 Doctoral course, ETH Zurich, Switzerland (Doctor of Sciences)

2003.4 - 2004.8 Doctoral course, The University of Tokyo, Japan

2001.4 - 2003.3 Master course, The University of Tokyo, Japan (Master of Environmental Studies)

1997.4 - 2001.3 Undergraduate course, The University of Tokyo, Japan (Bachelor of Engineering)

Curriculum Vitae and List of Publications

Curriculum vitae and list of publication available in a pdf file:NishijimaCV2011January.pdf