What can History Teach us About Disaster Resilience? - MScR in Global Environmental Challenges

About the project
’Natural’ disasters pose an increasing threat in an urbanising, inequitable world, but they are nothing new. Regions such as China, India, Europe and North America have records about natural hazards and human responses dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Even events in the 20th century could help reveal the roots of present-day practices. What can these rich resources tell us about dynamic relationships between humans and hazards? Are there lessons from history that could help build disaster resilience today? Can we challenge, or perhaps reinforce, the emerging norms of disaster risk reduction strategies?

Why choose this opportunity?
You will have the opportunity to be among the path-breakers in the growing, dynamic field of disaster history. You will gain experience of using methodologies for researching the past - using archives, images, or spatial data - to ask questions that are pressingly relevant to interdisciplinary academic and humanitarian work in disaster risk reduction. Your research, alongside your interdisciplinary Cabot training, will put you in the unique position of understanding both the human and non-human elements of ’natural’ disasters.

About you
This project would be most appropriate to somebody with a humanities/social sciences background, or a physical scientist who is willing to embrace a different kind of approach. Experience of historical research would be helpful (including previous degrees in history, historical geography, archaeology, etc) but is not essential. If you would like to study a non-English-speaking country, language skills would also be helpful.

About the programme
The Cabot Institute Masters by Research is a unique opportunity to work with a leading supervisor to deliver a one-year research project that you are passionate about. The programme will bring together exceptional students from all backgrounds with a common mission – protecting the planet and securing our future. As well as learning from your supervisor, you will learn from your fellow students; coming together to share your ideas and developing your problem-solving skills as part of an interdisciplinary team over the year. As well as being hosted within the Cabot Institute you will have a direct relationship within the relevant School for your research area, allowing you to fully take advantage of a wide-ranging research community.
Alongside your research project, you will benefit from a unique personal development and transferable skills training schedule. These unaccredited, optional events will give you the opportunity to come together with your peers to improve your research skills and develop an innovative approach to the global challenges we face today. You will also be encouraged to propose your own interests for a seminar series, giving you a unique platform to mould your studies and get involved directly with the programme. The training schedule will focus on:
• Interdisciplinarity & Collaboration
• Innovation & Enterprise
• Making your research a success
• Research communications
• Ignite your interests (your chance to propose ideas for a seminar series)
You will also gain access to the Cabot Institute’s network of experts across academia, government, business and industry via networking events. These opportunities will not only support your research, but give you the edge in your future career, whatever that may be.