Introduction

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) calls for enhanced role of science and technology for evidence based decision-making. It also urges the need for innovation and partnership, which is linked to practise and diverse stakeholders. IRDR, with its mandate for integrated and trans-disciplinary research, would like to promote capacity building of young professionals, and encourage them to undertake innovative and needs based research which makes science-policy and science-practice linkages stronger.

Objectives

• Increase awareness among young scientists about Sendai Framework implementation and provide opportunities for further engagement through the Young Scientists Program on DRR.
• Collate existing research knowledge on DRR and identify research gaps and priorities in relation to the Sendai Framework Priorities for Action
• Identify opportunities to fund continued multi-disciplinary research by young scientists and early career researchers
• Provide technical support to promising young researchers in DRR fields
• Build and foster strong and dynamic networks among worldwide experts and institutions in DRR fields
• Develop, over time, a community of high-quality young professionals that can provide support for policy making decisions related to DRR

Eligibility

To be an IRDR Young Scientist, following are the necessary criteria:

• Age: Less than 40 years on the date of application
• Nationality: There is no bar on nationality
• Affiliation: The candidate needs to be affiliated with an academic program (either master or doctorate) either as a student or as a young faculty.
• Research subject: The subject of research needs to be related to disaster risk reduction and its link to broader environment and development issues.
• Endorsement: must be endorsed by academic supervisor (for student) or head of the department /graduate school (for the young faculties).
• Duration: Minimum 1 year, and maximum 3 years. The applicant can make their choice, and the final decision will be made by IRDR.

Programme benefits

Once selected, as fellow can be an “IRDR Young Scientist” for a period of maximum three years. The fellow will receive the following benefits:

• Link to IRDR network of professionals and practitioners
• Access to IRDR Scientific Committee (SC) for academic support / advice
• Participation in IRDR related training programs (there would be a different selection process for each of the training program)
• A certificate for IRDR Young Scientist upon successful completion

Responsibility of IRDR Young Scientists

• Contribute to innovative research in the field of disaster risk reduction
• Be the ambassador of IRDR in different conferences and/or social media
• Develop and contribute to networking of young professionals
• Submit a 6-month report of activities in the prescribed format of IRDR
•  Acknowledge the contribution of IRDR in the academic paper, thesis etc.