Spencer-RIMS Risk Management Challenge draws record participation as student teams tackle climate risks for West Virginia city.

The 2025 Spencer-RIMS Risk Management Challenge has reached unprecedented global participation, with 244 students from 61 university teams across 16 countries competing to develop climate risk management strategies for Huntington, West Virginia.
This year’s challenge has made significant strides in expanding its reach to new institutions and underrepresented groups, according to RIMS. Thirty-eight teams were first-time applicants, indicating the competition’s growing appeal and accessibility to universities worldwide. Additionally, nine participating universities were Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), reflecting the organizers’ commitment to fostering diversity within the risk management profession.
Eight Finalist Teams Advance to Chicago
After evaluation of the teams’ risk management reports for Huntington, eight university finalists have been selected to advance to the stage at RISKWORLD in Chicago.
The finalists teams represent: DePauw…