Disaster Research Cluster

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami focused the world’s attention on the need to ensure appropriate laws, policies and institutions to address the risks posed by natural and human-made hazards. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction defines ‘disaster risk governance’ as: “The system of institutions, mechanisms, policy and legal frameworks and other arrangements to guide, coordinate and oversee disaster risk reduction and related areas of policy.” The UCC Disaster Research Cluster aims to produce high quality research on all stages of disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation, and to collaborate with colleagues within Ireland and internationally to promote and understand best practice in disaster risk reduction and risk governance. Drawing on their academic and operational experience of disaster preparedness and response, Disaster Research Cluster members have played a leading role in establishing the field of disaster law, for example as editors of the Yearbook of International Disaster Law (Brill).