Message from the Chairman

Welcome to the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience at the University of Dhaka!

Since its establishment in 2012, the department has been at the forefront of providing high-quality education and research in the fields of disaster and climate change. Our department has grown into the country's one of the leading knowledge hubs, dedicated to understanding the intricate interplay among disasters, impacts of climate change, and human interventions. At the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience, we offer a range of degree programs that cater to diverse educational aspirations. These programs include four-year Bachelor of Science (BS), one year Master of Science (MS), two-year Professional Masters, Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees.

As a department, we contribute to various fields of specialization within disaster science and climate resilience. We have diversified faculty members specializing in different fields to ensure that the students receive the best education possible. Our students have the opportunity to conduct research on hazard modeling, vulnerability assessment, development of early warning systems, GIS and remote sensing, geoengineering, climate change impacts, extreme event modeling, and their associated effects on various sectors. Additionally, we have expertise in social systems, risk governance, disaster-development nexus, and humanitarian crisis management.

A key aspect of our department is our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, which provide an ideal environment for groundbreaking research activities. We have several specialized laboratories that support our research endeavors. The Disaster Impact and Humanitarian Need Assessment Laboratory is dedicated to conducting research on impact assessment, risk evaluation, and humanitarian need assessment. It serves as a platform for studying cost-benefit analysis and forecast-based financing. In the Geohazard Modeling Laboratory, we focus on understanding geomorphological, geological, geophysical, and geotechnical hazards. This laboratory enables us to analyze the processes, to identify influencing factors, and to assess the associated risks. Our Climate Change and Environmental Pollution Laboratory plays a crucial role in studying essential climatic variables, climate modeling, extreme event modeling, and climate change impact assessments.

The Hydrological and Hydrometeorological Hazard Laboratory is dedicated to monitoring water levels, assessing flood risks and damages, estimating surface water discharge and sediment transportation, and evaluating groundwater quality. Additionally, this laboratory enables us to predict meteorological parameters and their impacts. Within our department, we have a well-established Geodesy and Geoinformatics Laboratory. This facility supports remote sensing and GIS analysis, utilizing advanced software such as ArcMap, ERDAS Imagine, QGIS, and Google Earth Engine (GEE). The lab also employs programming languages like R and Python for geospatial and satellite image analysis. These cutting-edge laboratory facilities provide valuable learning environments for our undergraduate students, while also serving as essential research tools for our graduate students and faculty members.

The Department has a research center named Center for Urban Resilience Studies dedicated to enhancing urban resilience in the face of disasters and climate change. The center conducts research, develops strategies, and provides training to promote sustainable and resilient urbanization. It fosters collaboration among academicians, practitioners, and national/international organizations, aiming to build proficient human resources and facilitate interdisciplinary approaches for creating resilient and sustainable cities. Through workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, the center raises awareness and disseminates knowledge on urban resilience.

Collaboration and research linkages are integral to our department's activities. We actively engage in national knowledge-driven projects funded by ministries, foreign universities, and development agencies. Notable collaborations include partnerships with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Department of Disaster Management, National Resilience Programme, and Urban Development Directorate among others. Furthermore, we foster collaborations with prestigious international universities, such as Yunnan University, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University College London.

Beyond academia, extracurricular activities are essential for the holistic development of our students. Our Climate and Disaster Resilience Club (CDRC), established in 2017, aims to promote sustainability and build resilience against disasters. The club organizes events, such as disaster risk reduction programs, poster presentations, and sessions on planetary science in collaboration with esteemed institutions. Additionally, our Disaster Science and Climate Resilience Career Club provides career counseling, talks, and skill development workshops to help students pursuing their desired career paths.

We invite you to explore our website and discover the diverse opportunities available within the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience. Together, let us embark on a journey toward a safer and more resilient future.

Warm regards,

Chairman

Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience