Introduction: 2023-24 in Review
I am delighted to present our first annual report under our new official name as the UCL Department of Risk & Disaster Reduction (RDR), reflecting our earlier formal transition from an institute to a full academic department. This year marked a further milestone with the graduation of our first cohort of Global Humanitarian Studies BSc students and the 10th cohort of Risk, Disaster and Resilience MSc students.
Our events showcased the breadth of our research interests with topics ranging from warnings to fragility functions, public health to modern slavery, individual disasters to climate change, culminating in our 14th Annual Conference – Futures of Risk: Causes, Consequences, Change. Discussions emphasised the importance of education and research for cutting-edge understanding to promote innovative solutions to ongoing, emerging and unforeseen challenges. We need to inspire critical thinking, continuous inquiry, imagination and adaptability and to maintain our energy and optimism in inspiring future generations to improve disaster risk reduction. We hosted the 2024 UK Alliance for Disaster Research (UKADR) Conference: Collaborative Research to Make a Difference which acted as a hub for critical, reflective and productive discussions around how we can tackle problems more effectively working together across sectors and disciplines, which is at the heart of UCL RDR’s mission.
Research funding successes this year have exemplified our mission to produce world-leading research in disaster risk reduction through a multidisciplinary perspective for the long-term benefit of humanity. Examples of new projects demonstrating how our researchers conduct fundamental research in conjunction with collaborative approaches for providing practical solutions include leading the multi-partner UKRI-NERC and the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) ‘People-Centred Tsunami Early Warning for Indian Coastlines’, the British Academy-funded project ‘Politics of Denial and Non-Recognition of Genocide‘ focussed on Bangladesh and Myanmar case studies, and ‘Social Finance for Better Post-Disaster Health’ investigating social impact bond solutions in Indonesia.
Enhancing our impact-focussed research, we welcomed Dr Shipra Jain, Lecturer in Meteorological risks, who brings operational experience in atmospheric and climate science with focuses on weather and climate extremes, and Claire Meade, Engagement, Networks and Partnerships Manager, to lead our Events programme and help support our growing network of partners.
UCL RDR inspires innovation and evidence-based practice focused on improving disaster risk reduction (DRR) through our research, education, and partnerships. This creates a better life for many people by reducing the negative impacts of disasters. To stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities and to be part of discussions on critical and developing aspects of risk and disaster reduction, join our mailing list.
Professor Joanna Faure Walker
Head of Department
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