NDMA, AcSIR, CSIR–NIScPR Ink MoU to Boost Disaster Policy Research

In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s disaster management ecosystem, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), and CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR–NIScPR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement establishes a collaborative framework for academic initiatives, interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and science communication in Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (DMRR).

A key outcome of the partnership is the launch of a PhD Programme in Disaster Management under AcSIR at CSIR–NIScPR, with NDMA extending domain support. The collaboration will also focus on joint research, policy studies, and communication strategies designed to enhance preparedness, risk communication, and community outreach. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Aswal, Member, NDMA, underscored the authority’s vision of integrating scientific knowledge with societal resilience. He highlighted the importance of leveraging communication channels for early warning systems and institutionalising systematic post-disaster studies to foster continuous learning.

Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar, Director, AcSIR, emphasized that the MoU opens new avenues for researchers and students to develop innovative, research-led solutions to disaster challenges. He noted AcSIR’s strong interdisciplinary research base and its alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR–NIScPR, stressed the critical role of science communication and evidence-based policy research. She said the collaboration would help bridge scientific inquiry and policymaking while strengthening public engagement on disaster preparedness. The partnership signals a strategic step toward embedding science, technology, and policy into disaster governance, reinforcing India’s commitment to building long-term resilience.