Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM): Aligning Risk Assessment with Complex Global Research
Institutional Context: Global Research, Travel and Operational Risk
Founded in 1898, LSTM was the first institution in the world dedicated to research and teaching in the field of tropical medicine. It has since achieved a global reputation as a leading institution committed to the mission of reducing the burden of sickness and mortality in disease endemic countries, and promoting the health of the poor and disadvantaged peoples.
LSTM has programmes in more than 30 countries globally and high volumes of international travel. By nature of its world-leading research, LSTM has an extensive travel footprint and long-term programme operations in multiple countries. Its work takes LSTM staff and students to many areas of the world, including destinations facing political, social, economic or environmental instability.
Simplifying Risk Assessment for Global Research Without Compromising Oversight
Like many research-intensive universities, LSTM relied on a travel risk assessment process that was primarily destination-focused. While suitable for standard travel, this approach struggled to reflect the realities of LSTM’s work, where risk is often driven as much by activities as by geography. Fieldwork, clinical research and higher-risk programmes were difficult to assess accurately using a single, generic framework.
As a result, risk assessments were often time-consuming for travellers to complete and challenging for approvers to interpret. Important context could be missed, while travellers were frequently asked to provide information that was not relevant to their specific work. LSTM needed a more flexible approach – one that could assess the who, where, when, what and why – without creating unnecessary work for those completing risk assessments.
Using RiskPal, LSTM introduced tailored risk assessment templates for different types of work, including general staff travel, fieldwork and higher-risk activities. This ensured assessments were focused, proportionate and relevant to the task at hand, improving both the quality of information collected and the experience for users. RiskPal’s integrated approvals process fits naturally into existing travel workflows, providing clarity and oversight without adding administrative burden.
Within the first year of adoption, LSTM completed over 600 risk assessments in RiskPal, covering everything from routine academic travel and international board meetings to complex field investigations into snakebite and malaria research. LSTM is presently looking to expand its use of RiskPal to support additional areas – reflecting confidence in the platform’s flexibility and suitability beyond travel risk alone.
“Using RiskPal has given us a clearer and more consistent way to assess risk across a wide range of activities, from routine travel to complex fieldwork. The flexibility of the system means assessments are proportionate, while still giving us confidence in the controls being applied.”
Anthy Kapsalis, Global Safety, Security and Risk Manager
Supporting Safer Global Research with RiskPal
LSTM’s experience demonstrates how a flexible, activity-led approach to risk assessment can better support complex research programmes without increasing administrative burden. By moving beyond destination-only assessments, institutions can improve decision-making, oversight and duty of care for staff and students working in higher-risk environments.
RiskPal supports universities, research institutions and NGOs operating globally to manage travel, fieldwork and operational risk in a proportionate, auditable and user-friendly way.
To learn how RiskPal can support your organisation’s research and travel risk management, get in touch or request a demo.
