ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the main features of the risk analysis science, following the basic ideas concerning science. The chapter provides an overview of the main building blocks for this science, including a list of key pillars or principles linked to the main subject areas of risk analysis: the scientific basis, risk assessment, risk management and governance, and ‘solving real-life risk problems and issues’, in line with Society for Risk Analysis. The chapter explains some reflections on the importance of establishing this science. It discusses how this science generates knowledge. Every real-life risk analysis performed or every practical guideline for how to carry out risk analyses does not necessarily add anything to the science of risk analysis. If risk analysis can be developed and broadly recognized as a distinct science, it will have some implications for science in general and risk problem solving in particular.
