Certificate of Advanced Studies in Disaster Risk Reduction

Vulnerabilities and Capacities in the Context of Climate Change

6-17 September 2010 // EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

8-19 November 2010 // IISc Bangalore, India

Deadline for Applications: 30 May 2010

COURSE SYNOPSIS

The objective for the second edition of the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR 2010) is to propose a continuing education course to professionals and specialists from both Southern and Northern countries who already have significant experience in disaster risk reduction or a connected field such as climate change adaptation or development. 

The CDRR aims to strengthen the capabilities of participants in the field of natural disaster prevention, especially hydrometeorological disasters and/or those related to climate change. To achieve this, the course favours an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the issue and focuses on the reduction of vulnerabilities and the strengthening of the capacities of populations at risk. The course does not have a technical vocation but concentrates on a practical and field-oriented approach in order to consolidate the theoretical part. Some time will be devoted to field visits, interactive workshops and methodological tools. 

Upon completion of the programme, participants should be familiar with natural disaster risk management, especially with regards to hydrometeorological disasters. They will be in a position to: 

• Compare and analyse the main risk management approaches;

• Interpret the current results of scientific research on climate change and challenges related to natural hazards, and identify appropriate measures in a specific situation;

• Apply methodological tools to assess vulnerabilities and strengthen adaptation.

The course will be held in Switzerland and India and thus offers a unique chance for sharing the different standpoints and experiences of Europe and Asia regarding the risk issue.

The course will be organised in 2 parts, each consisting of 2 weeks of full-time study:

• The first part will take place at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, from 6-17 September 2010.

• The second part will be held at the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) in Bangalore, from 8-19 November 2010.

Teaching staff are drawn from the organising institution (EPFL), several Indian partner institutions, the host institution in Bangalore (IISc), Swiss, Indian and foreign universities and institutes, international organisations, NGOs and the private sector.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Full and/or partial grants may be offered to participants coming from developing or emerging countries that are not able to meet the total costs involved. Priority will be given to participants from India and Bangladesh.  The grant will cover tuition fees as well as accommodation and board in Switzerland and India.  Note that the grant will not cover travelling costs to Switzerland and India.

KEY WORDS

Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Change adaptation – North/South and South/South scientific partnerships – Interdisciplinarity – Innovative Technologies for Risk Reduction - Vulnerabilities, Mitigation and Resilience.

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Brochures in paper or electronic formats are available upon request to cddr@epfl.ch.

For full information and application procedure see http://cooperation.epfl.ch/Jahia/site/cooperation/op/edit/pid/72010

For further inquiries email cdrr@epfl.ch.