Stating with the Moragahakanda Hydro Power Project in year 2000, today NRM&LS is engaged with a wide variety of Environmental Impact Assessments, Disaster Risk Assessments, Environmental Management Plan and Social Safeguard Studies both locally and internationally. Some of the major projects include Conflict Affected Region Emergency (CARE) Project conducted in Nothern Province in Sri Lanka, range of Irrigation Projects, Water Supply Projects, Mini Hydro power projects, Port City Development Project, Waste to energy development project which has a national significance and internationally for many Hydro Power projects and Social and Environmental Assessment such as the Nyamwamba Small Hydro Power Project ,Uganda which our commitment and dedication is highly involved.

The CECB laboratory services of NRM&LS comprises an advanced laboratory spectrum providing a range of sample testing including the Chemical and Environmental Laboratory, Advanced Concrete Testing Laboratory, Advanced Soil Testing Laboratory, Geotechnical Investigations and foundation excavation. Theses laboratories are well-equipped with the advanced instruments and latest technology network in which highly trained professionals involved in carrying out diversified testing methods and research projects to furnish the best solutions for around 2000 clientele.

At present, NRM&LS has its major involvements in the Mega City Development Projects conducted under the Government of Sri Lanka which concerns on Disaster Risk Management such as Floods, Droughts and Landslides. Our ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable development of the society through strong commitment in delivering engineering services entangled with public-private partnerships in the global industry.

With the expansion of housing construction activities, particularly in the rural sector, the need for research and development into materials and technology locally available was felt. In order to provide this service centrally, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) was established under the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Construction in March 1984 by the merger of former Building Research Institute (BRI) of the State Engineering Corporation and the Soil testing Laboratory of the Department of Buildings.

In May 1988, the NBRO was brought under the Urban Development Authority (UDA), by a Cabinet decision. The activities of the NBRO expanded considerably and covered the areas of Human Settlements Development, Environmental Development and Structural Engineering Research and Project Management. Research and Development work on disaster mitigation related to landslides was also planned and carried out from 1988 onwards. Thus research and development activities of the total shelter sector were undertaken by the NBRO.

We take great pride in producing graduates who make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions. Among our diversely qualified graduates, alumni are software engineers, engineers, business analysts and noted entrepreneurs.

We are a leading non-state degree awarding institute approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Universities Act. We are members of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), as well as the International Association of Universities (IAU). We are also the first Sri Lankan institute to be accredited by the Intuition of Engineering & Technology, UK.

SLIIT attracts the largest share of private higher education students in Sri Lanka and our courses are designed to equip graduates to succeed in contemporary workplaces with their exposure to practical (lab, internship etc) as well as the classroom environment. According to the graduate Tracer Studies of 2016/2017, nearly 90% of our Bachelor degree graduates find full-time employment within six months of course completion. We are one of premier degree awarding institutes with the 25 acres site to provide the university exposure for our students.

• To promote an integrated system of research, training, information and documentation services in fields related to water resources.
• To provide study programmes (master and Ph. D. degrees) in the field of water resources.
• To establish a network of institutions in the countries sharing the same water resources.

As the chairman and the organiser of the first IDRC Davos 2006, Walter J. Ammann implemented this request by founding the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos as the institutional framework. GRF Davos is since 2008 the organiser of the IDRC Davos conferences and promotes the worldwide exchange of know-how and expertise, creates solutions and fosters good practices in integrative risk management and climate change adaptation. GRF Davos aims through research, implementation, advocacy and networking activities at serving as a Centre of Excellence in knowledge and know-how exchange for the application of timely and appropriate risk management strategies, tools and practical solutions. GRF Davos is the publisher of two international electronic journals, namely Planet@Risk and the International Journal for Disaster Risk Reduction together with the publisher Elsevier.

Research Achievements and Challenges:

We aim to improve the understanding, assessment and management of risks and disasters affecting human safety, security, health, the environment, critical infrastructures, the economy and society at large. Our inside expertise, coupled with the experience and knowledge of our global network of engineers, consultants, and scientists, enable us to deliver projects in various domains. We provide services and do research in monitoring processes, risk analysis and provide solutions for the implementation of measures. We intervene in each phase of the disaster risk reduction cycle (prevention, intervention, recovery) with local and international projects contributing to lower collateral and human losses and a safer world.

Our research focuses on:

- Integrative Disaster Risk Management processes

- Resilience

- Vulnerability

- Natural Hazards

- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

- Business Continuity

- Sustainable Development

- Capacity Building, awareness raising

Our main goals are:

• To bridge the gap between science and practice
• To promote the worldwide exchange of know-how and experience
• To target solutions and promote good practice in integral risk management and climate change adaptation for an improved understanding, assessment and management of disasters and risks that affect human safety, security, health, the environment, critical infrastructures, the economy and society at large

To provide and manage a network for decision-makers, practitioners and experts from politics, government, IGOs, business, science, NGOs, media and the public

Teachers-researchers at the Institute of Earth Sciences and the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics analyse and model historic and recent processes testifying to physical, chemical and biological changes on our planet linked to natural and anthropogenic factors. Teachers-researchers at the Institute of Geography and Durability are interested in the organisation of space, ecological thought, relations between society and the environment, and the sustainability of our ways of life.

Taking into account the complexity, plurality and diversity of geo-environmental challenges, educational programmes at the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment are based on fundamental sciences (mathematics, natural sciences, and human and social sciences) and their reconfiguration, combination and application in the real world. In addition, they find expression in different terrains, including Alpine and urban environments, not only in Switzerland, but also in Europe and elsewhere. After completing a core programme of multidisciplinary courses, students in geosciences and environment can specialise in a number of disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields.

Through RCR, you have a unique opportunity to access research results on how risk is perceived and assessed and how crises are managed, all for the benefit of soci

Formally established in 1989 by the Swedish Government, it has built a reputation for rigorous and objective scientific analysis in the field of environment and development.

SEI is:

• International - SEI has offices in five continents around the world, and works locally, regionally and globally.
• Trusted - decision-makers and the academic community recognize us as an independent and non-partisan institute.
• Credible - our research is objective, and supported by rigorous peer review.
• Relevant - only joined-up research can solve joined-up problems: our work makes connections across the natural, physical, and social sciences, allowing us to take new angles on key issues and offer robust, insightful policy advice.

SEI operates through its eight centres around the world in Sweden, the UK, the US, Thailand, Kenya, Estonia and Colombia.

Our work spans from climate, water, air, and land-use issues, and integrates evidence and perspectives on governance, to the economy, gender and human health.

SEI's approach is highly collaborative: stakeholder involvement is at the heart of our efforts to build capacity, strengthen institutions and equip partners for the long term. We make sure our knowledge and findings are clearly communicated and accessible to decision-makers and civil-society. We publish our own open access material in leading academic journals and repackage our research to offer effective decision support.

To promote debate and share knowledge we convene decision-makers, academics and practitioners, and engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world.

We are committed to transparency and believe that full disclosure of our finances and funding builds trust in our work. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is our largest single donor, but we also receive broad support from other development agencies, governments, NGOs, universities, businesses, and financial institutions.

More specifically concerning disaster risk reduction, our recent work has been focusing on transforming the relationship between development and disaster risks, as well as integrating the global agendas on SDGs, Climate and the SFDRR.

Missions

• To advance experimental and numerical simulation technologies: Construct and maintain the worldclass experimental facilities. Provide hardware, software and technical support to national and international researchers and practitioners on earthquake engineering simulations.
• To develop and apply earthquake loss estimation technologies: Develop and enhance the Taiwan Earthquake Loss Estimation System (TELES) software for advancement of seismic disaster scenario simulation technologies.
• To develop seismic design, evaluation and retrofit technologies: Advance seismic design, evaluation and retrofit technologies and code provisions for buildings and bridges to ensure structural resilience, and mitigate life and property losses during earthquakes.
• To develop state-of-the-art seismic technologies: Conduct researches on innovative, environmentfriendly, and intelligent construction materials, technologies, and systems.
• To promote educational outreach and consolidation of earthquake knowledge: Consolidate earthquake research findings, disseminate earthquake engineering and hazard mitigation knowledge to enhance earthquake awareness and public capability of emergency responses.

Meanwhile, TTFRI focuses on typhoon and floodrelated researches with regional characteristics and also devotes itself to nurturing talents for future worldleading researchers.

Missions

• Construct atmospheric and hydrologic informationsharing platforms to support academic research
• Conduct mission-orientated research to develop advanced techniques for disaster prevention and mitigation of typhoon and flood
• Nurture talents for future researchers

Established in October, 1996, the Disaster Prevention Research Center (DPRC) of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is a part of the University's General Center in research, as well as one of the main institutions for disaster prevention and mitigation in Taiwan.

DPRC is established with the purpose of improving the technology and countermeasures of disaster prevention, and also study a suitable technical code for disaster prevention and rescue with specialists and researchers. The main missions are as following:

• Conducting the research on the disaster prevention, and applying the research results to the actual work
• Developing disaster prevention systems and establishing disaster prevention databases
• Assisting the improvement of disaster prevention system and the promotion of disaster prevention works.
• Organizing symposiums, workshops and promotional campaigns on disaster prevention, and participating in international academic exchange with professions in this field
• Publishing academic journals and media presentations related to disaster prevention
• Accepting commission of disaster prevention projects and providing expert consultation service.

The succeeding mission of THL is: 1.) Investigation, experiment, and analysis in the area of hydraulic and marine engineering; 2.) Research on national economic development and planning; 3.) Compiling and supervising projects for Water Resource Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs; 4.) Creating hydraulic and marine database as well as Geographic Information System (GIS). 5.) Assisting interdisciplinary instruction, research, and practical training in order to make industries, officials, and academics into a whole and thus to achieve the terminal goal, globalization.

Therefore, the frequent occurrences of natural disasters often result to serious damage and loss of lives and properties. The society often shows much concern toward disaster related problems. The government and the private sector also engage in disaster prevention and response works. However, due to rapid economic developments and social changes, disaster prevention works are less than adequate at present. In recent years, improved standards of living have resulted to higher demands for the protection of lives and properties. The government also finds it essential to promptly formulate effective disaster prevention and response strategies, strengthen disaster prevention technology research results and implement them in disaster prevention operations.

Since 1982, The National Science Council began promoting large disaster prevention research programs. Thus, in November 1997, disaster prevention and response operation based departments and bureaus co-setup the National Science and Technology Program for Hazards Mitigation. Year 1998 is the preparation year, 1999～2001 is the first term program execution period, and 20002～2006is the second term program execution period. Since the execution of the National Science and Technology Program for Hazards Mitigation, the setup of disaster prevention related data, potential disaster investigation and analysis, disaster scenario simulation and risk level analysis, early warning and forecasting techniques, disaster management decision support system, after-shock building safety diagnosis and reinforcement, structural anti-shock design and anti-shock capability assessment, HAZ-Taiwan system setup and application, disaster prevention education, disaster prevention and emergency response system, disaster prevention system review assessment, and disaster prevention strategies have received solid results. They have been applied in practical work and have laid solid foundation for future works.

• Global climate change has frequently affect many natural disasters such as floods, mudflows, and landslides.
• Due to global climate change, recent typhoons-Nari, Kalmaegi, Morakot, Fanapi, and Megi, and 88-flood catastrophe have incurred enormous damages and life loss in Taiwan.
• Reinforce international communication and academic-industry collaboration, provide high quality service to respond the impact of global climate change in order to efficiently reduce disaster damages.

The PSEMT carries out specific training and development in Pre-Hospital Disaster Response and works closely in conjunction the Government of the Philippines and other concerned non-government agencies in developing and improving strategies and guidelines for medical response during disaster situations. A great many of our members are currently employed in key positions with the "National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) throughout the country and are making invaluable contributions through their efforts

Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management (DPMM) at Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) uses interdisciplinary capacities (engineering, medicine, natural and social science, as well as management) to manage and minimize the effects of disasters in people on the front lines of disaster response and preparedness. It provides professional education and short term training for the capacity building of the Asia-Pacific as well as neighboring regions.

AIT's contribution towards disaster research is multi-faceted, starting from Disaster Education, Capacity development, Training, engineering and social solution for disaster risk reduction.

Non-availability of the scholarships and fund supports to the students from south Asian countries are found to be major challenge to create a large pool of students on disaster research.

Exploring the possible funding sources for student from various govt. department will be advantageous to create a sizable human resource, which can influence the development planning and help to build resilient community.

Research Interests:

• Disaster Management
• Risk Management
• Business Continuity Management
• Management Information Systems
• Big Data and Data Analytics

Technological advances in seismic instrumentation and telecommunication permit the implementation of real-time rapid response and early warning systems. During large earthquakes, such systems are capable of providing from a few seconds to a few tens of seconds of warning before the arrival of strong ground shaking and enable quick reports about the damage estimates to determine where emergency response is most needed. An earthquake early warning and rapid response system can provide the critical information needed to minimize loss of lives and property, and to direct rescue operations.

After the Sumatra earthquake in 2004, the global community felt the need of establishing regional tsunami warning systems, and within this framework, KOERI is also setting up a Tsunami Warning Center which is expected to act also as a regional center under the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission - Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System in the North Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and Connected Seas (ICG/NEAMTWS) initiative.

Established since 2001, the Centre has secured an international reputation for its work in research informed (R) knowledge (K), enterprise and professional practice delivery (E), with a particular international renown for excellence for 'in country' knowledge transfer. The Centre's has achieved major success in securing research informed professional practice contracts in Oman, Ghana, Nepal, Turkey, Sierra Leone, Croatia, Sri Lanka and Nigeria, complemented by UK contracts that are regularly delivered to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and also include innovative market operations with the UK Independent School sector. The Centre also works closely with the private sector both in the UK and abroad.