Extreme Events System Science is a research area that aims to develop a new kind of science  with the goal to better detect, prevent, and mitigate extreme events, and to enhance human performance through innovative modeling, dynamic system analysis, and real-time synthesis of heterogeneous information.

Rapid advances in sensors, wideband communications ,and computer processing provide the means to collect and disseminate huge amounts of data and information. Even though this provides the basis for improved data collection and global access, many issues remained to be addressed. Issues investigated in this research area include modeling of extreme events for early identification and prevention, humans as soft sensors, and allocation of information-gathering resources (physical, human, and cyber sensors), geospatial coordination of sensors, dynamic intent analysis through the synthesis of heterogeneous information, visual analytic tools, and collaborative cognitive aids and decision support tools.

Research in this area will ultimately provide new understanding of how to detect, prevent, plan for, and mitigate extreme events through rapid adaptive coordinated responses across all levels (local, state, federal, and international) for a wide range of extreme events including terrorist attacks, financial crises, and natural disasters.