¹û¶³Ó°Ôº

In an increasingly hazardous world, risk- and disaster-related activities are major growth areas. Reducing global risks and disasters presents a colossal challenge that requires coordinated and collaborative action. ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº is uniquely well-placed to provide this, with at least 70 academics across 12 departments and seven faculties involved in world-class research and practice in the field.

To maximise the impact and value of ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº activities in R&DR, we propose establishing an institute framework in order to cultivate increased and enhanced collaboration across and between disciplines. A proposal will be presented at the town meeting, at which invited speakers will summarise the range of ongoing ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº activities and opportunities for greater cooperation going forward. Presentations will be followed by an open discussion after which there will be a reception to foster informal interaction.

This meeting, supported by the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Grand Challenges team, is intended to bring together people from different parts of ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº who may be interested in working on one of the manifold aspects of R&DR. These include: both technological and natural-hazards and risks; management of hazards, risks and disasters; disasters and development; health, risk and disasters; perception and communication of hazards and risks; hazard and risk aspects of climate change; and financial, economic and legal aspects of hazards and risks.

This list is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive; whatever your angle of interest in R&DR, please do join us.

• Risk & Disaster Reduction Town Meeting
• G06, Roberts Building (entrance via Malet Place)
• 3.30pm, Wednesday 20 May 2009, followed by a reception
• RSVP: Tola Okogwu.

Those attending the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Environment Institute's Public Lecture by Lord Turner of Ecchinswell, Chairman of the Financial Services Authority (same location, 6pm) are also invited to attend the town meeting and/or the reception.