Global Disaster Resilience Centre

Global Disaster Resilience Centre (GDRC)  at the University of Huddersfield, UK is a global leader in multi-disciplinary research, education and advocacy to improve the resilience of nations and communities. What would it be like to live in a world in which government authorities, businesses, communities and individuals work together to create a society that is able to withstand the effects of unforeseen events and threats? At the Global Centre for Disaster Resilience we are working with stakeholders at the global, national and local level to make this happen. The Global Disaster Resilience Centre is committed to excellence in research, education and advocacy to improve the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. With growing population and infrastructures, the world’s exposure to hazards is increasing. When disaster strikes, communities may need to be rebuilt physically economically and socially. At the same time, it is vital that any reconstruction activity pro-actively considers how to protect people and their environment, and reduce a community’s vulnerability. Its work also  includes the support of stakeholders towards implementation of The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which was adopted by 187 countries across the world. Our work:Tackles disaster risk factors and scenarios, including emerging disaster risks; Addresses regional, national and local application; Supports action by local communities and authorities; and Supports the interface between policy and science for decision-making.

GDRC is  also working with stakeholders at the global, national and local level to make this happen. At the GDRC, our vision is for a society that has the capacity to resist or change in order to reduce hazard vulnerability, and to continue functioning physically, economically and socially when subjected to a hazard event. We seek to achieve our vision by undertaking work that crosses the traditional boundaries between academic disciplines and schools of thought. We provide strategic advice and practical guidance based on rigorous, stakeholder informed research. We are also supported by a worldwide network of partners from policy, government, industry and academia. We define a resilient built environment as the: “design, development and management of context sensitive buildings, spaces and places, which have the capacity to resist or change in order to reduce hazard vulnerability, and enable society to continue functioning, economically and socially, when subjected to a hazard event”. In order to achieve this aim, our objectives are to:

• Carry out internationally outstanding, original, significant, rigorous, innovative and potentially agenda setting research
• Secure significant, high profile and prestigious grants 
• Produce quality publications that target a range of stakeholders
• Influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions
• Inform professional practice, raise awareness and develop skills to tackle disasters
• Establish mechanisms for the transference of knowledge to the market, government and professionals
• Attract high calibre students to conduct world class research in key emerging areas

GDRC is a key partner of the UNISDR Making cities resilient campaign and is also a member of the UNHABITAT University network initiative. It is working with UNISDR  to raise awareness and commitment for sustainable development practices that will reduce disaster risk and increase the wellbeing and safety of citizens. Members of GDRC have published collectively more than 250 journal papers in the field and generated more than £5million in research income. GDRC has led a large number of research capacity building programmes at a large number of international HEIs focusing on:  establishing, improving and sustaining research capability and capacity; developing comprehensive and robust plans and sets of activities to support Early Career Researchers and improve mentoring of staff, and supervisory capabilities; supporting the development of research skills; and, promoting international agenda including research collaborations.