2020 September sessions

The UKADR hosted a series of webinars (including the AGM) over 10 and 11 September 2020. This was an opportunity for our community of disaster researchers and practitioners to come together to share information and experiences, and learn from each other. We explored our current research practice, lessons on impact from Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) projects, and the role that the UK-based disaster research community can play in a green and resilient recovery from the pandemic.

Agenda and links to recordings

10 September 2020

Webinar 1: Co-producing impact: lessons learnt from small and large projects

Prof Mark Pelling introduced the GCRF and set the scene. Presenters from three small- to large-scale GCRF projects shared what they have learned about achieving impact within these diverse applied research projects. Presenting projects included SAFER, which aimed to develop a comprehensive scheme for enhancing the seismic safety and resilience of school buildings in Nepal, as well as Tomorrow Cities Hub.

 

Webinar 2: Our changing research practice

This webinar explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disaster research in the UK. The discussion was informed by a survey of UKADR members as well as insights from expert panellists (Dr Stephen Hill, Director of Research at Research England, Prof Andrew Collins and Prof Mark Pelling). In the session, we considered how disaster research in the UK is responding to the pandemic, how disaster research practice is changing and the role that UKADR might play in this situation.

 

Webinar 3: UKADR Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Facilitated by Andrew Collins and Mark Pelling.

 

11 September 2020

Webinar 4: Taking an intersectional approach to disaster risk reduction and response: Issues in policy and practice

This session drew on experiences of working to promote a gendered intersectional approach during the processes to develop the SDGs and the Sendai framework, and considerations of this approach in practice in the context of Latin America, focused on the UN Economic Commission for Latin America's preparations ahead of COP25, which was to be hosted in Chile.

It asked:

  • What does an intersectional approach look like?
  • Why is it important?
  • How can it be included in policies and improve practice?
  • And importantly — what are the barriers to this approach being taken up and how can they be addressed?

Much of this experience draws on working in a development/developing world context where such an approach is largely accepted. The open discussion then focused on — what would an intersectional approach look like for the UK?

 

Webinar 5: Towards a green and resilient COVID recovery: the role of disaster researchers

A panel of invited experts from climate change, disaster and health research discussed the current pandemic (the lessons and opportunities), and the role of climate change and disaster researchers in supporting a green and resilient recovery. Panel members include the UNDRR Stakeholder Coordinator, Irina Zodrow; Director of the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, Prof Dave Reay; Professor of Disaster and Health at UCL, Prof Ilan Kelman, and Consultant in Global Disaster Risk Reduction for Public Health England, Prof Virginia Murray.