Poor communities are adversely affected by natural disasters. Buildings are less resilient and more likely to be badly damaged by extreme events. People have less resource to rebuild houses, schools, roads and livelihoods.

Researchers at the Faculty of Engineering work directly with vulnerable communities and local and national governments to understand the need and local context. We run interdisciplinary projects with sociologists, hydrologists, historians and geographers to build disaster resilience and response in a way that fits with the wider system. We work with NGOs, charities and companies to make sure that there is the support needed to make things happen immediately and in the long term.

Where we work

Our projects run in the countries most exposed to natural disasters in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.