The Network undertakes research, teaching and learning activities that encompass disaster reduction, sustainable development and resilience building. By necessity an inter-disciplinary field of inquiry, disaster and development studies address human security and wellbeing for individuals, groups and institutions in contexts of current and potential crises.

Northumbria University launched the DDN in 2004 in association with its acclaimed postgraduate programme in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development. Our work has included research, enterprise, capacity building activities across 25 countries for multiple national, international and local organisations. This includes regularly hosting and participating in major events associated with this field in locations around the world.