Research Insights, a Society of Actuaries Podcast

How can actuaries assess mortality and morbidity risk when historical experience may no longer fully reflect a changing climate environment?
In this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, welcomes Carlos Arocha, FSA, SCR, and Jérôme Crugnola-Humbert, SAV, IA, authors of the report Quantifying Mortality and Morbidity Impacts from Climate Risks: A Practical Framework for Decision-Making.
Carlos and Jérôme discuss how climate hazards, population exposure and vulnerability can translate into life and health outcomes and ultimately affect actuarial decision-making. They explore why historical mortality and morbidity data alone may be insufficient in a changing risk environment, how climate-related variables can be incorporated into mortality modeling, and what a case study examining France, Italy and Spain can teach actuaries about interpreting forward-looking scenarios.
The conversation also examines the "streetlight effect" and the "quantitative fallacy," along with practical considerations for life and health insurers seeking to better understand and prepare for climate-related risks.
Listen to the episode and explore the full report, accompanying actuarial toolkit, and additional research from the Society of Actuaries Research Institute by visiting SOA.org and navigating to the Catastrophe & Climate research area.
Read the Report:  https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2026/climate-mortality-morbidity-framework/

The 2026 NAIC Summer National Meeting brought a wide range of actuarial and regulatory issues into focus, from mortality and expense assumptions to long-term care, artificial intelligence, catastrophe risk, insurance affordability and more.
In this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, is joined by Geralyn Trujillo, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Academy of Actuaries, for a recap of the meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Together, they explore key developments across the life, health and property and casualty practice areas and discuss what these evolving issues could mean for actuaries, regulators, consumers and the broader insurance system.
The conversation examines SOA Research Institute experience studies and emerging research, the Generally Recognized Expense Table (GRET), long-term care and combination products, the growing use and regulation of artificial intelligence in insurance, catastrophe risk, affordability, resilience and the increasingly interdisciplinary role of actuaries.
Listen to hear which developments from the NAIC Summer National Meeting may have the most momentum through the remainder of 2026—and what actuaries should keep on their radar.

In this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Lisa Schilling, Director of Practice Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, speaks with Dr. Rob Lieberthal, lead author of Evaluating Representativeness in Healthcare Claims Data: A Framework for Representativeness-Based Fairness in Actuarial Applications of AI.
Their discussion explores why strong overall model performance does not necessarily mean an AI or machine learning model performs equitably across populations. Dr. Lieberthal explains how gaps in healthcare claims data can affect rural, lower-income, underdiagnosed, and other populations—and why actuaries should examine representativeness before relying on model results.
Listeners will learn about the report's three-stage bias assessment covering input bias, model bias, and application bias; examples involving geographic representation, missing data, and intersectionality; and practical approaches for evaluating subgroup performance. The episode also highlights the companion Model Card Generator and Decision Assist Tool, which are designed to help actuaries document model limitations, compare model alternatives, and apply professional judgment throughout the modeling process.
Explore the full research report and companion resources through the Society of Actuaries Research Institute at SOA.org, and discover practical ways to strengthen fairness, transparency, and informed decision-making in actuarial applications of AI.
https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2026/dei127-represent-hc-data/

In recognition of International Youth Day, this episode of the Research Insights Podcast revisits the 2025 Case Study Challenge Winners.
The discussion highlights the winning team's approach to the challenge, including how they analyzed the case, developed their recommendations, and presented their findings. The episode also offers insight into the skills, collaboration, and creative thinking that helped distinguish their work.
International Youth Day celebrates the ideas, contributions, and potential of young people around the world. This conversation reflects that spirit by showcasing emerging actuarial talent and the fresh perspectives these students bring to complex real-world problems.
Listen now to hear from the 2025 Case Study Challenge winners and learn more about their award-winning work.

In recognition of Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day, this episode of the Research Insights Podcast revisits "A Primer on Generative AI."
The discussion explores generative AI through an actuarial lens, examining what these tools are, what they can and cannot do, and how they can be used responsibly alongside actuarial judgment. It also covers practical applications, reliability, risk, and governance—key considerations as AI continues to reshape the way professionals work.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into actuarial practice and the broader business landscape, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to better understand both the opportunities and limitations of generative AI.
Listen now to revisit this timely and insightful conversation.