1) Call for Session Ideas: 2008 Annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop – Deadline Friday
The Natural Hazards Center invites proposals for session topics for the 2008 Annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop. Proposed session topics will provide guidance to the Center as it plans and prepares next year’s program. Session ideas may be modified, combined, or otherwise altered by the Center, and submission of a topic does not guarantee inclusion in the program.
The annual workshop is designed to bring members of the research and applications communities together for face-to-face networking and discussion of cutting-edge issues related to hazards and disasters and society’s efforts to deal with them. It provides a dynamic, provocative, and challenging forum for the diverse opinions and perspectives of the hazards community.
To submit a session idea, go to www.colorado.edu/hazards/workshop/current.html. Session topics must be submitted by November 16, 2007, to be considered.
2) PreventionWeb Launched
PreventionWeb (www.preventionweb.net) is a new information service with an aim of increasing knowledge on disaster risk reduction (DRR). Developed by the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, this comprehensive Web site will provide a common tool for both specialists and non-specialists interested or working in the area of disaster risk reduction to connect, exchange experiences, and share information.
PreventionWeb relies on content contributions from the DRR community and includes disaster risk reduction news, country reports, publications, good practices, fact sheets, networks and communities, and more. The beta release period will emphasize content development by calling for contributions from the community at large—UN, international, non-governmental, academic, and civil society partners.
See a five-minute online demo of the new site with audio commentary at www.preventionweb.net/english/about.
For more information, or to give comments and suggestions, contact:
Craig Duncan
Information Management Unit
UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
duncanc@un.org
+41 22 917 8898
3) Call for Presenters: Gendering Disaster Workshop
The Third Annual Gendering Disaster workshop will be held as part of the Australasian Natural Hazards Management Conference. The workshop will be held July 31, 2008, in Wellington, New Zealand, and organizers are now accepting submissions for presentations relating to gender and disasters.
The scope of topics is broad and all applications will be considered, provided they are relevant to the study of gender and disasters. The intended audience is students, policy makers, academics, planners, and government and non-government welfare agencies.
Submission deadline is February 29, 2008.
For more details, or to submit an application, please contact Rosalind Houghton at Ros.Houghton@vuw.ac.nz.
4) Call for Chapter Proposal Submissions
Dr. Pamela S. Showalter and Dr. Yongmei Lu of Texas State University, San Marcos, are editing a monograph titled “Geotechnical Contributions to Urban Hazard and Disaster Analysis,” and invite submissions of chapter proposals that can be considered for inclusion in the book.
For purposes of this call, the terms used in the above title are loosely defined as follows:
- Geotechnical—geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (not including underwater or ground penetrating radar), and global positioning systems (GPS);
- Urban—any densely populated place;
- Hazards—any element on the landscape that poses a threat; and
- Disasters—any event that causes loss of life and/or significant property damage.
Those interested in submitting a chapter proposal must have utilized at least one of the geotechnological tools listed above to address an urban hazard and/or disaster. Preference will be given to research activities undertaken during the last five or six years.
Submissions are welcome from the academic, public, and private sectors. Chapters must not have been published elsewhere. Unpublished conference presentations are acceptable. Published conference presentations (e.g., in a proceedings volume) may be acceptable if the full copyright can be transferred.
Chapter proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on December 3, 2007.
For more information, and to request the complete call for chapter proposals, contact:
Pamela S. Showalter, Director
James and Marilyn Lovell Center for Environmental Geography and Hazards Research
Department of Geography
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX 78666
PS15@txstate.edu
(512) 245-7980
5) Call for Papers: Special Academic Session on Geographic Information Science
Session organizers at the 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (ISCRAM) have issued a call for papers for a special academic session on Geographic Information Science (GIScience).
Geographic Information Science encompasses the theoretical and conceptual elements that underlie Geographic Information Systems (GISystems) and related geospatial technologies relevant to crisis management. These elements include geospatial information visualization, representation, interaction and sense making; spatiotemporal reasoning; the impacts of GISystems on society and individuals; the impacts of society and individuals on GISystems; and fundamental spatial themes from fields such as geography, geodesy, and cartography. Furthermore, GIScience is fundamentally interdisciplinary, incorporating research from the fields of geography, information science, cognitive science, computer science, psychology, mathematics, philosophy, statistics, and anthropology. Because of this broad interdisciplinary perspective, research in GIScience is well suited to address a wide variety of application domains that utilize geospatial information and technologies.
ISCRAM will be held in Washington, DC, on May 4-7, 2008. More information about the conference can be found at www.iscram.org.
View the full call for papers, including detailed submission instructions, at www.iscram.org/dmdocuments/ISCRAM2008/ SpecialSessionsCFP/ISCRAM2008_CFP122.pdf.
6) Integrating Hazard Mitigation into Local Planning – Best Practices Sought
In August, the American Planning Association (APA) began working on a new project with the Federal Emergency Management Agency titled “Integrating Hazard Mitigation into Local Comprehensive Planning.” In order to learn what communities have already accomplished in integrating hazard mitigation into planning, and how best to share the lessons from their experiences, APA will create an inventory of best practices in the coming months. For more information on this project, see www.planning.org/hazardmitigation/index.htm. If you know of a community that should be included in this project, contact Jim Schwab at jschwab@planning.org.
7) IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program 2008
Each summer, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), located in Schloss Laxenburg near Vienna, Austria, hosts a selected group of graduate students (50-60), primarily doctoral, from around the world in its Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP). These students work closely with IIASA’s senior scientists on projects within the Institute’s three theme areas: Energy and Technology, Natural Resources and Environment, and Population and Society. They end the summer with an international network of colleagues interested in various aspects of global change issues, and often have produced a paper that can be published. The 2008 program will take place June 2 to August 29, 2008.
Funding is available from the National Academies to cover travel to IIASA and a modest living allowance. The National Academies are able to support nine YSSP fellows each year from U.S. institutions, thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation.
An online application form, along with more information, can be found at www.iiasa.ac.at/yssp/register/.
For more information on IIASA, contact Tanja Huber, YSSP Coordinator, at ysspsupport@iiasa.ac.at.
For more information on funding from the National Academies, contact Maggie Goud Collins at mcollins@nas.edu.
Applications are due January 15, 2008.
8) Some New Web Resources
[Below are some new or updated Internet resources we have discovered. For an extensive list of useful Internet sites dealing with hazards, see www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]
How a Changing Climate Impacts Women
This summary report describes the U.N. Secretary General’s September 21, 2007, High-Level Roundtable. The climate change event was organized by the Women’s Environment and Development Organization, the Council of Women World Leaders, and the Heinrich Böll Foundation. The report includes a set of recommendations on climate change and gender equality.
Earth Observations from Space: The First 50 Years of Scientific Achievements
The ability to forecast weather, climate, and natural hazards depends critically on satellite-based observations. At the request of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Research Council convened a committee to examine the scientific accomplishments that have resulted from space-based observations. This report describes how the ability to view the entire globe at once, uniquely available from satellite observations, has revolutionized Earth studies and ushered in a new era of multidisciplinary Earth sciences.
National Flood Program Policies in Review
The 2007 edition of the National Flood Program Policies in Review is the most recent of the Association of State Floodplain Managers’ (ASPFM) periodic review of national floodplain management policy. Throughout this document, ASFPM explores floodplains’ and watersheds’ effectiveness, both for risk reduction and for the protection of their natural and beneficial functions, now and in the future.
Online Disaster Education Program – Canadian Red Cross
This site is a valuable resource for teachers and parents committed to preparing children for emergencies and disasters. The Web site includes facilitator guides, activity booklets, a brochure about natural hazards and disasters, videos, posters, and participation certificates for children.
Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Progress Report
This progress report, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on October 31, 2007, explores the goals of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and explains what HHS has accomplished since the passage of the act last year. Also included is information about numerous activities HHS has planned to continue the implementation of the act.
Creating a Culture of Preparedness among Schools
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released this fact sheet that includes planning and training resources available to schools that are developing an all-hazards preparedness plan. The fact sheet also lists opportunities for funding and additional resources. A complete list from DHS of emergency preparedness resources for schools can be found online at www.dhs.gov/schoolpreparedness.
Law and Legal Issues in International Disaster Response: A Desk Study
This report, prepared by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, draws from the findings of 27 country and regional studies on international disaster response. Looking at international disaster response laws, rules, and principles, the report concludes that there is much more existing international law relevant to disaster response than most practitioners realize. A summary version of this report will soon be available in Arabic, French, and Spanish.
9) Conferences, Training, and Events
[Below are some recent announcements received by the Natural Hazards Center. For a comprehensive list of upcoming hazards-related meetings, visit our Web site at www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/conferences.html.]
2nd International Conference on Urban Disaster Reduction (ICUDR): Large-Scale Disaster Management—Taipei, Taiwan: November 27-29, 2007. This year’s conference focuses on the management of large-scale natural and man-made disasters and encourages casual and productive interactions among participants in various research fields of disaster reduction. With its multidisciplinary scope, the 2nd ICUDR offers an excellent forum for covering a wide range of topics, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for urban disasters. It will include a keynote speech, plenary session, group session, poster session, and booth exhibition.Visit www.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/2ICUDR/.
Geosciences, Planning and Communities: Opportunities and Challenges in Development—Cusco, Peru: December 3-6, 2007. Directed towards geoscientists, emergency managers, planners, and communities who explore the role of geoscience in natural hazard risk reduction, this conference represents the closing event of the Multinational Andean Project: Geosciences for Andean Communities (MAP:GAC). Sessions will focus on the generation of social and geoscientific knowledge, the transfer and appropriation of knowledge, the application of geoscience knowledge, and the lessons learned through MAP:GAC and future collaboration. Contact mulmi@nrcan.gc.ca for more information.
Emergency Preparedness and Prevention & Hazmat Spills Conference— Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: December 2-5, 2007. Organizer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region III Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office.This four-day conference, titled Partnerships…Bridging the Gap between Preparedness and Response, will include educational workshops and training sessions. Topics include case studies and winning strategies, new regulations, and the latest technologies. Visit www.2007conference.org.
Society for Risk Analysis 2007 Annual Meeting—San Antonio, Texas: December 9-12, 2007. Sponsor: Society for Risk Analysis (SRA). This annual meeting brings together nearly 1,000 international scientists and practitioners from a wide range of disciplines who share an interest in risk analysis. Representing academia, government, industry, NGOs, private firms, and themselves, SRA members recognize the value of diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to high quality risk analysis methodology and practice. This year’s meeting will include several plenary sessions focused on the theme of Risk 007: Agents of Analysis. It will also include technical sessions in the form of oral presentations, posters, and poster-platforms. See www.sra.org/events_2007_meeting.php.
Innovative and Smart Structural Systems for Sustainable Habitat—Tamil Nadu, India: January 3-5, 2008. Organizer: Coimbatore Institute of Technology. In its examination of civil infrastructures, this conference will provide an opportunity to understand the latest development in the area of smart materials and smart structures, which can be used for providing sustainable structures. Conference themes include smart materials, smart structures, earthquake resistant structural systems, wind resistant systems, performance-based design, fast track construction, and use of nano materials. See www.citinshab2008.info.
29th Annual International Disaster Management Conference—Orlando, Florida: January 31- February 3, 2008. Organizer: Emergency Medicine Learning and Resource Center. The 29th Annual International Disaster Management Conference has been designed to meet the educational needs of all persons and agencies involved with emergency preparedness, response, and disaster recovery. This year’s Planning
Committee acknowledges the unique role that the myriad of first responders, response agencies, and communities play in planning for, responding to, and mitigating disasters. All persons and agencies involved with emergency preparedness, management, and response are invited to attend. Visit www.emlrc.org/disaster2008.htm.
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) Annual Meeting—New Orleans, Louisiana: February 6-9, 2008. “Hurricane Katrina: Lessons for Earthquake Risk Reduction” is the theme of the 60th Annual Meeting of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, to be held in New Orleans’ French Quarter. This conference is an extraordinary opportunity to capture lessons from the largest natural disaster in U.S. history: Hurricane Katrina. With close to 30 presentations over three days, the program is designed to appeal to professionals and researchers in the multidisciplinary earthquake risk reduction fields. Sessions cover topics such as restoring critical lifelines after a catastrophe, impacts on the energy sector, offshore infrastructure design, enhancing the resilience of hospitals, scenario-driven catastrophe planning, the achievements of 75 years of strong-motion seismology, and responding to and recovering from a large-scale urban event. See www.eeri.org/news/meetings/08AM/.
10) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Training & Chapter Coordinator
Association of State Floodplain Managers; Madison, Wisconisn
Membership in the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) continues to expand, along with the appeals for assistance that we receive from local, state and federal entities, as well as our partners in the non-profit, academic, research, and private industry sectors. In order to better serve our members, ASFPM is responding to growth needs by seeking to hire a Training and Chapter Coordinator. This position will assess floodplain management training needs of the association; develop and implement training for ASFPM Members, Chapters, and Certified Floodplain Managers; and work closely with the ASFPM Chapters' needs. ASFPM is an organization that supports science-based policy.
Please view the full job posting at: http://www.Floods.org/Files/ASFPM_Training_Chapter_Coord_Announcement_1107.pdf
This is a full time position which will be located in the Executive Office in Madison, Wisconsin.
Application closing date is Friday, November 30, 2007.
ASFPM is a national, nonprofit, professional membership association with 11,000 members and 26 State Chapters throughout the United States.
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2008-2009 AMS-UCAR Congressional Science Fellowship
Washington, DC
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) seek candidates with backgrounds in the Earth sciences for the 2007-2008 AMS-UCAR Congressional Science Fellowship. Fellows participate in the legislative process by joining a Congressional office of their choosing in the United States Senate or House of Representatives. Typical duties include developing legislation, negotiating legislative compromises, writing speeches and briefing memos, meeting with constituents, and conducting background research. The AMS-UCAR Congressional Science Fellow joins more than 100 other fellows through the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program. Fellows must be US citizens and complete all requirements for their Ph.D. prior to the start of the fellowship year, which runs from September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008. Support includes a $50,000 stipend, and up to $10,000 for moving, travel, health care, and other expenses. Applications must be submitted by 1 February 2008. Details are available at. For additional information contact Paul Higgins, Senior Policy Fellow, American Meteorological Society (phiggins@ametsoc.org). See www.ametsoc.org/CSF.
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Post-doctoral Researcher - Coupled human and natural systems.
HARC; The Woodlands, Texas
HARC, a private, not-for-profit applied scientific research facility dedicated to sustainable development, is located in The Woodlands, Texas, 30 miles north of Houston. HARC offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, as well as the opportunity to work in a stimulating collaborative environment.
More HARC information - www.harc.edu; More information about The Woodlands - http://www.woodlandsonline.com/.
Education: Ph.D. in Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Communication or a related interdisciplinary field such as Environmental Studies.
Experience: We are looking for a researcher with a strong inter- disciplinary orientation and with knowledge of the dynamics of coupled human and natural systems.
Other Skills: Must have interview or survey experience. Knowledge of invasive species is a plus but not required.
Duties include, but are not limited to: conduct research on the social dynamics of invasive species release under the guidance of the PI. This work will provide needed background information to write a Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Ecosystems proposal to NSF. The post-doc will also be expected to serve on the proposal writing team and to co-author papers with the PI on the results of the preliminary research.
Duration: one year with the possibility of reappointment if funding becomes available.
Submit resume and the names of three references through HARC website: http://www.harc.edu/jobs Click on the job title. Follow directions for resume submission. No phone calls, please.
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Assistant Director – Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Miami-Dade County; Miami, Florida
Interested parties who wish to apply for the position can do so by
completing an online application by logging onto the Miami-Dade County
webpage: www.miamidade.gov/jobs.
For additional information please call (305)375-JOBS, or Chief Herrera at (305) 468-5403.
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Emergency Management Faculty
Jacksonville State University; Jacksonville, Alabama
Jacksonville State University is accepting applications for a tenure-track position in Emergency Management to begin January, 2008. Duties: Primary teaching duties include graduate and undergraduate level courses in Emergency Management. Principle non-teaching duties include writing within the emergency management area.
Qualifications: Earned Doctorate in an appropriate area. Appropriate experience preferred. Rank and salary are contingent upon qualifications, experience, and needs of the university. In the event that this tenure-track position is not filled as tenure-track, applicants may be considered for temporary or visiting position for one year.
Send application (available on our website at www.jsu.edu), resume, copies of transcripts, and names/addresses/phone numbers of at least three references to Jacksonville State University, Human Resources, 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, AL 36265. Applicants selected for an interview will be required to supply official transcripts and current letters of reference. An EO/AA Employer.
If you or your organization would like to add a job posting here in the DR, please feel free to e-mail the information to hazctr@colorado.edu.
Questions for the readership and contributions to this e-newsletter are encouraged. Questions and messages should be indicated as such and sent to hazctr@colorado.edu.