11th Partner Presentation (DIIS)

We want to introduce the partners involved in the LostToClimate Research Project. The 11th and final partner to be presented is the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS - Dansk Institut for Internationale Studier).

🌍 The Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) is an independent, state-funded research institute that conducts multidisciplinary research on globalisation, security, development, and foreign policy. DIIS strives to be agenda-setting in both research and public debate, and with nearly 120 employees representing diverse academic backgrounds, DIIS plays a central role in shaping Danish and international discussions on global affairs. Established in 2003, DIIS has become one of Denmark’s most influential research institutions in international affairs. It undertakes basic research, policy analysis, and commissioned studies, and its researchers frequently engage with media, policymakers, and ministries to provide timely insights into global developments. DIIS also hosts a wide range of seminars, lectures, and conferences, functioning as a key platform for policy-relevant dialogue and knowledge exchange.

🌿 Role in the LostToClimate Research Project

DIIS brings its strong tradition of independent, policy-relevant research to LostToClimate, helping bridge community-level insights with broader policy and governance contexts. Its multidisciplinary environment enhances the project’s ability to situate non-economic climate losses within international political, social, and development perspectives. DIIS supports the project in connecting lived Arctic experiences with the policy landscapes that shape climate adaptation across the region.

The DIIS team in LostToClimate consists of Rico Kongsager, who is also the overall project leader.

Rico Kongsager is a researcher specialising in climate adaptation. With a PhD from the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, his research focuses on the intersection of climate change, disaster resilience, and community-based adaptation—particularly in vulnerable and remote regions. He has previously led another major research initiative, CliCNord (www.clicnord.org), which explored climate resilience in small Nordic communities. Rico’s academic background includes a Master’s in Geography & Geoinformatics from the University of Copenhagen. With a career that bridges research, education, and fieldwork, Rico brings a deeply interdisciplinary and applied perspective to climate challenges.