Ričardas Zitikis International Research Prize in Quantitative Risk Management
The Actuarial Research Conference (ARC) 2026 is pleased to highlight the Ričardas Zitikis International Research Prize in Quantitative Risk Management, established by the RISC Foundation to honor the legacy of Professor Ričardas Zitikis (Western University).
About the Prize
This international prize recognizes outstanding research in quantitative risk management. It is awarded annually to the best student presentation in quantitative risk management delivered at the Actuarial Research Conference.
Prize Amount: CAD $1,500
Purpose
The prize celebrates excellence, innovation, and forward-looking research, reflecting Professor Zitikis’ impact on the field. It seeks to encourage contributions that push the boundaries of knowledge in quantitative risk management, particularly in areas of growing societal importance.
Scope and Eligibility
All student presenters at ARC 2026 are eligible for consideration, provided their work contributes to quantitative risk management broadly construed. This includes actuarial science and related areas.
While the prize formally recognizes the best presentation in quantitative risk management, particular emphasis is placed on work addressing emerging risks. Examples of such topics include (but are not limited to):
- Climate and environmental risks
- Societal and demographic risks
- Governance and regulatory risks
- Interdisciplinary or novel sources of uncertainty
Work that extends traditional actuarial topics (e.g., pension or insurance modeling) to incorporate these emerging risk dimensions is especially encouraged and aligns closely with the spirit of the prize.
Evaluation Process
A Selection Committee composed of international scholars will be formed to evaluate and score eligible presentations.
In particular, student presentations will be evaluated by this committee using a structured scoring process designed to assess originality, technical quality, and relevance to quantitative risk management.
A detailed evaluation rubric will be published no later than two weeks prior to the conference, ensuring transparency in the selection process.
Application and Inquiries
If you are a student presenting at ARC 2026 and wish to participate in the competition for this award, please complete the interest form by June 30, 2026, for your presentation to be considered for evaluation.
For more information, please contact: info@therisc.ca.
Join Us in Honoring a Legacy
We invite all ARC participants to join us in recognizing outstanding contributions and advancing research in quantitative risk management, in honor of Professor Ričardas Zitikis.