Disaster Research in the Social Sciences: Future Challenges and Opportunities

National Academy Of Sciences, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

The U.S. is vulnerable to a wide variety of natural, technological and human-induced hazards. While local decision-makers have the final responsibility for coping with the threat of disaster, federal agencies have developed science-based activities, such as the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), that are intended to help further effective disaster reduction efforts in at-risk communities throughout the nation. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been a major supporter of social science disaster research, including such research carried out as part of the NEHRP effort. The objective of this study is to provide NSF with a detailed appraisal of the short and long-term challenges facing the social science disaster research community and new and emerging opportunities for advancing knowledge in the field and its application for the benefit of society. The study is intended to provide a basis for planning future social science and multidisciplinary research related to natural, technological and willful disasters in response to challenges and opportunities presented by a changing nation and world. A committee of distinguished experts in the field will be established to carry out the study.