About ICDRM
Goal and Objectives
The goal of The Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management is to improve the disaster, emergency, and crisis management plans, actions and decisions of government, corporate, and not-for-profit organizations by transforming theory into practice.
The Institute's objectives are to create and teach courses in crisis, disaster, and risk management; conduct research, and create knowledge through its research activities; and disseminate knowledge through education al programs, professional forums, and workshops. The Institute faculty and staff work to facilitate exchanges of crisis management information, knowledge, and best practices among all sectors. The Institute is engaged in both domestic and international endeavors.
Background
Established in 1994, the Institute is an interdisciplinary academic center affiliated with the University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Public Health and Health Services, and Elliott School of International Affairs. The capabilities of the Institute are enhanced by its close links with other GW academic and research centers including the Political Psychology Program, the Aviation Institute, the National Crash Analysis Center, the Transportation Research Institute, and the International Institute for Tourism Studies.
The Institute provides a unique, interdisciplinary environment and has been instrumental in placing graduates in crisis, emergency, and risk management positions in public, private and non-profit organizations.
Functional Areas and Objectives
The Institute focuses on three functional areas:
- education
- research and
- professional development
Our objectives are to become:
- an international center of excellence in crisis and disaster research
- a leading provider of crisis, disaster, and emergency management education, and
- an internationally recognized inter-disciplinary graduate degree program in crisis, emergency, and risk management.
The Institute is a center for information exchange via electronic networking as well as traditional conferences and workshops' serves as a Washington DC connection for other academic disaster research and education centers and experts.
Many of the institute faculty and research scientists are experts with experience with organizational activities and decision-making before, during, or after a crisis event.
The Institute's domains of interest includes natural disasters, industrial/ technological disasters, and human-induced threats and disasters. The Institute's organizational focus is broad, including U.S. and international public agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
The Institute supports research, education, and professional development in four areas:
- Disaster/Crisis/Risk Awareness
- Disaster/Crisis Planning
- Emergency /Crisis/Risk Management, and
- Post Disaster/Crisis Activities
