Balázs Stumpf-Biro

Visiting PhD student, TCEH

Balázs is a visiting student at TCEH from the University of Pannonia until March 2026. While here, he will work on his PhD, titled "Analysis and Decision Support for Adaptation Readiness in Complex Natural and Human Systems" in conjunction with the ERC funded 4-Oceans project. Specifically, he will be examining the processes of the Late Bronze Age Collapse, in order to identify valuable analogies for the systemic challenges we face today.

Balázs's PhD

The evolving risk landscape, driven by the extreme impacts of climate change and resource scarcity, already presents unprecedented short-term challenges. Without a deep understanding of the interconnections within complex natural, social, and economic systems — currently in flux and expected to accelerate — meaningful adaptation is impossible.

While mitigation strategies have well-defined objectives, adaptation preparedness remains far more elusive. Assessing readiness for uncertain and unpredictable future processes is complex, and there is little scientific consensus on how to measure the social acceptance and effectiveness of adaptation solutions. One of the most critical pillars of adaptation is attitudinal change, which underpins the feasibility of both mitigation and adaptation strategies.

My aim is to develop decision-support methodologies to assess adaptation preparedness, capacity, and resilience. By integrating data science, remote sensing, and spatial analysis, I seek to evaluate urban populations’ lifestyles, habits, and adaptive attitudes, ultimately supporting meaningful adaptation readiness at individual, community, and organisational levels.

balazs@stumpfbiro.com