KASA-Lab

Making risk visible. Making change possible.

Our mission:

Rooted in over two decades of professional experience at the nexus of science, data analysis, and public policy for disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and socioeconomic development, KASA-Lab was founded with the mission to enhance scientific literacy of individuals and organizations by transforming complex, heterogeneous datasets and cutting-edge research about risk into insights that shape individual behaviour, community action, and public policy change for resilience.

As a specialised knowledge broker and thought leader, at KASA-Lab we explore new ways of understanding and communicating disaster risk and provide original research and analysis of complex data. We accompany citizen-led, non-profit and international organisations, governments, education institutions and businesses in using climate science and socio-economic research for change. Whenever necessary, we challenge the status quo and open dialogue for alternative futures.We strongly believe that science, innovation, and interdisciplinarity are the foundations for generating much-needed action on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, and that citizens and policy-makers, educators, and business leaders are its agents.

By putting humans at the centre, KASA-Lab generates risk analysis from the bottom up. And by employing storytelling, visual engagement, and experiential learning, we turn “de-risking” from abstract management speak into concrete everyday and strategic choices.

We value rigorous and transparent science, open knowledge, engaging communication, dialogue and collaboration grounded in interdisciplinary thinking that turns insight into resilience.

Why we exist:

Growing social and economic inequalities, rapid demographic change and urbanisation, and environmental degradation and climate change are increasing the impact of disasters worldwide.

These forces are directly shaped by the actions of individuals, communities, business enterprises, organisations, and governments: they generate risk, but also open up opportunities for social progress and planetary well-being. Provided we truly understand what drives risk, how to "de-risk", and what alternative pathways for the future look like.

While scientific research on disaster risk is abundant, it often remains siloed, complex, and inaccessible to decision-makers and the general public. Science communication is therefore a central lever: it transforms knowledge into action, informs public policy, raises awareness among citizens about emerging risks and the consequences of their choices, and thereby strengthens collective resilience.

This recognition directly shapes our mission and values: we value rigorous and transparent science, open knowledge, engaging communication, dialogue, and collaboration grounded in interdisciplinary thinking that turns insight into resilience.

What we do:
KASA-Lab operates through three core pillars that complement, inform and inspire each other:

KASA-Analytics
Aggregates, curates, and makes sense of existing data and analysis, identifies gaps in knowledge critical for behavioural change and action, and generates new insights from original, cutting-edge research.

KASA-Interactive
Pushes the boundaries of science communication to provide immersive experiences for interactive learning and a more profound understanding of risk and future pathways.

KASA-Collective
Brings together scientists, local and global decision-makers, artists and enterprises in collaborative partnerships on time-bound initiatives for change.

How we can collaborate:

At KASA-Lab, we turn complex risk science into actionable strategies to build a resilient future.

Whether you are:

A policy maker or government agent grappling with how to integrate cutting-edge climate impact science into policies and programmes;
A UN staffer or local non-profit operating in highly uncertain and complex settings;
A forward-thinking insurer redefining risk innovation and exploring new markets;
A private sector leader embedding resilience into green growth and sustainability strategies;
An analyst or researcher exploring disaster risk reduction and climate impacts through the lens of urban growth, migration, education, health and agriculture;
An artist, curator or museum director designing groundbreaking and interactive exhibitions on risk and resilience; or
An educator empowering the next generation to understand and navigate crises.

We are here to work with you. With our unique expertise at the intersection of risk science, innovative communication, and interdisciplinarity, we:

Decode complex datasets (climate, socio-economic, demographic) into actionable insights;
Translate research into compelling narratives (storytelling, visualizations, experiential learning) that resonate with the public, media and expert audiences alike;
Bridge the gap between science, public policy, and on-the-ground action to break down silos and accelerate resilience; and
Offer concrete alternatives to existing models, placing people and the planet at the heart of de-risking strategies.

Our goals? To make risk science understandable, engaging, and transformative, so every stakeholder, from local communities to global leaders, can take meaningful action today for a safer tomorrow.

Who we are:

For more than 15 years, two geographers and one social anthropologist have collaborated at the intersection of inequality and risk. With deep experience of working for the United Nations, governments, in academia, and with local and international non-profit organisations, we turn complex risk knowledge into action, supporting communities, institutions, and individuals in anticipating change and building a sustainable future for all.

Bina Desai

Bina has more than two decades of experience in research, programme, and policy development on climate change impacts, disaster risk reduction, inequality and social development, displacement and migration, and urban change across the globe.

With an academic background in sociology, social anthropology, economics, and history, Bina has worked with and advised government departments, United Nations agencies, regional development banks, local and international non-profit organisations, academic programmes, and businesses. In her past, she led large teams and oversaw multi-year, multi-million dollar programmes, balancing the need for efficient delivery with ensuring lasting impact for change.

Bina does not accept that persistent inequality, climate change, and growing disaster risk are inevitable. Instead, she continues to believe that open knowledge and direct dialogue are a public good that can help tackle the biggest challenges of our times. This is what led her to co-found KASA and what still drives her work today.

Vicente Anzellini

Vicente is a researcher and policy analyst with over 13 years of experience at the intersection of disaster risk reduction, climate change and human mobility. He is known for analytical rigour, strategic thinking and an ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable insights.

Before co-founding Kasa-Lab, he spent eight years at the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), leading global and regional analysis and contributing to flagship publications, while also serving as ad interim head of the Monitoring Team. Before that, he worked with UNDRR in Geneva and Nairobi on the Global Assessment Report and on strengthening countries’ disaster loss and risk governance capacities.

His work spans Africa, Latin America and Asia, engaging governments, UN agencies, research institutions and civil society. He holds a BA in History from Universidad de Los Andes and an MA in Human Geography (Cum Laude) from the University of Neuchâtel.

Sylvain Ponserre

Sylvain is a senior programme coordinator with 20+ years of experience in international organisations leveraging science, technology and innovation to advance disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Before co‑founding Kasa‑Lab, he led IDMC’s Data Management and Risk Analysis team, producing cutting‑edge analyses on disaster‑related displacement in a changing climate and strengthening global data systems to monitor displacement trends worldwide.

Prior to this, he worked as Information Specialist at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), where he contributed to the development of metrics to track disaster damages and losses to inform international DRR framework implementation.

He also supported software development and data analysis on disaster trends and impacts globally.He holds a Master degree in Geography from University Lyon 2.

Why KASA:

In Japan, KASA (かさ) understood literally means “umbrella” but also signifies protection and support. The umbrella was a symbol we embraced in our earlier work on disaster risk reduction.

Phonetically, KASA (/ka.sa/) further echoes the Spanish word for "home": for us, KASA is a home for new ideas, diverse perspectives, and a shared purpose. Closing the circle, the Kanji letter for the Japanese word (傘) resonates this visually and combines it with our quest for a resilient future: it invokes a house, with a protective roof and a strong foundation that holds the life within.

The KASA-Lab logo, fonts, and design mirror these images and associated concepts, combining them in innovative ways to represent physical risks and human resilience alike.