ILS Bermuda Extends Convergence 2024 Agenda in Partnership with ASU and BIOS: Converging Innovation – Accelerating Science and ILS Solutions

Hamilton, Bermuda – ILS Bermuda is excited to announce the addition of a special afternoon of innovative science-focused content to its Convergence 2024 agenda. Scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, October 9, this new segment, developed in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), will provide an immersive experience centered on the latest scientific advancements and the intersecting opportunities for innovation with ILS industry.

Keynote Speaker: Peter Schlosser

Vice Provost of Global Futures at ASU and Director of the Global Futures Laboratory

The afternoon's content will kick off with a keynote address by Peter Schlosser, Vice Provost of Global Futures at ASU and Director of the Global Futures Laboratory. A globally respected climate scientist and oceanographer, Schlosser will offer insights into the critical intersections between climate change, ocean science, and risk management, emphasising the role of innovative solutions in addressing global environmental challenges.

Following Vice Provost Schlosser’s keynote address, the event will feature three dynamic panel discussions designed to foster dialogue between leading scientists, industry experts, and regulatory leaders, exploring the potential for the ILS community to drive global economic resilience by leveraging cutting-edge scientific research and data. These discussions aim to highlight the collaborative opportunities that exist between science and finance to build a more resilient global economy.

Alongside Vice Provost Schlosser, confirmed speakers and prominent figures in the science and insurance community include Upmanu Lall, a renowned expert in water systems and climate risk management from Arizona State University, bringing his extensive experience in climate resilience to the forefront. Brian Sherman, CEO of the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine, will contribute to the panel on business and science acceleration, offering insights from his leadership in sustainability initiatives and economic development. Additionally, Brennan Phillips from the University of Rhode Island, currently in residence at BIOS, will present his groundbreaking work with deep-sea sensors and the development of verifiable data that could potentially revolutionise our understanding of ocean dynamics.

Jo Stanton, Chair of ILS Bermuda, remarked:

"This afternoon of sessions represents a pivotal moment for Bermuda and the ILS community. By bringing together leading minds in the field of science and the ILS industry, we are not only positioning Bermuda as a global leader in scientific innovation but also fostering the kind of collaborative thinking that will drive real-world solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. We are excited to see the insights and innovations that will emerge from these discussions."

This new addition to the Convergence agenda underscores ILS Bermuda's commitment to fostering collaboration between the scientific and financial communities and aims to utilise the power of the ILS market to spearhead global climate resilience initiatives. Supported by ASU and BIOS, the sessions will not only highlight Bermuda's leadership in the ILS space but also its growing role in global risk discussions.

Steve Weinstein, Chair of BIOS, commented:

"We are thrilled that the partnership between ASU and BIOS can bring such a critical conversation to the
forefront of Convergence 2024. This event represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between
cutting-edge science and the financial industry, driving meaningful progress in the effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change and other cutting edge emerging risks, with solutions grounded in data, science and measured effectiveness. 
We are grateful to ILS Bermuda, our donors and supporters, and the sponsors of Convergence for making possible this important dialogue in Bermuda, the world risk capital.”

Vice Provost Peter Schlosser added:

At ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory, we are deeply committed to building bridges between science, business, and policymakers to tackle the world's most urgent challenges.  I am eager to join this critical dialogue in Bermuda, where the intersection of climate science and the ILS industry presents a unique opportunity to drive innovative, globally significant solutions.
Our commitment to Bermuda is steadfast, as demonstrated by our investment in BIOS, the scholarship programmes we've established for Bermudian students at ASU, and our ongoing participation in key events like Convergence. We look forward to further advancing our shared vision for a more resilient and sustainable future."

Convergence 2024 attendees will automatically have access to this special afternoon session as part of their existing registration. For those interested in attending the afternoon alone, a dedicated registration option will be available, providing flexibility for participants from the BIOS community and beyond.

Further details, including additional confirmed speakers and specific panel topics, will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information and to register, please visit www.ilsbermuda.com/convergence.

Sponsors for this year’s Convergence event include: Appleby, BNY, Citi Agency & Trust, Computershare Corporate Trust, HSBC Bank Bermuda, Truist Bank, WTW, Aeolus, Artex, The Bermuda Stock Exchange, Carey Olsen, Conyers, Fermat Capital Management, Neuberger Berman, Schroders Capital, Sidley Austin, Wilmington Trust, Vantage, the Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR) and the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA).