Key research themes
1. How do socio-political and institutional factors shape the transformation of natural hazards into disasters and subsequent impacts?
This theme examines the extent to which natural calamities become disasters contingent on socio-political conditions, institutional preparedness, and human infrastructure. It investigates how vulnerability, governance, and state capacity condition both the occurrence and consequences of disasters, emphasizing that the term 'natural disaster' obscures human and institutional contributions to risk and impact.
2. What are effective strategies and frameworks for mitigating natural disasters and enhancing disaster risk management?
This research theme explores methodologies, technological innovations, policy frameworks, and management approaches aimed at reducing disaster risks and minimizing their socio-economic impacts. It highlights multi-disciplinary strategies including early warning, infrastructure resilience, insurance, community engagement, and digital technologies as key components of comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management.
3. How is climate change influencing the frequency, intensity, and distribution of natural disasters, and what adaptation measures are necessary?
This theme investigates scientific evidence linking anthropogenic climate change with alterations in the patterns of natural hazards—specifically, increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, precipitation extremes, storms, droughts, and associated disaster risks. It emphasizes the urgency of adaptation strategies and policies targeted at reducing vulnerability in a warming climate context.