The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), and the CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on academic programmes related to disaster management.
The main aim of this partnership is to combine science, technology, and public policy to help build a disaster-resilient India. The collaboration will focus on structured academic courses, interdisciplinary research, and public awareness activities. Through this effort, the institutions plan to strengthen disaster preparedness and response systems in the country.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Aswal, Member of NDMA, said the authority is committed to building a strong network of academic institutions that can work together on disaster-related research and training programmes. He added that academic collaboration is important for improving disaster management strategies.
Professor Manoj Kumar Dhar, Director of AcSIR, said the agreement will create new opportunities for students and researchers. He explained that the partnership will help them develop innovative and research-based solutions to address disaster management challenges.
Highlighting the importance of communication, Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, said the collaboration will help connect scientific knowledge with policy decisions and public awareness efforts. She stressed that effective science communication plays a key role in ensuring that research findings are understood and used for better disaster management planning.
Overall, the MoU is expected to strengthen cooperation between research institutions and disaster management authorities, helping India become better prepared for natural and man-made disasters.