Late sociologist Bill Anderson worked tirelessly in the field of disaster risk reduction and was a great proponent of attempting to understand and address the ways in which vulnerable populations suffer in disaster. With this in mind, his family has announced the creation of a new fund that will further those ideals.

The William Averette Anderson Fund for Hazard and Disaster Mitigation Education and Research will assist earth scientists, engineers, practitioners, and social scientists focus on mitigating the impacts of disasters on vulnerable and underserved populations in the United States.

“As I considered how best to honor Bill, my thoughts were immediately directed to his deep commitment to promoting the study of women, children, African Americans, persons of color and of other vulnerable populations in disaster hazard mitigation,” his wife Norma Doneghy Anderson wrote. “It is with his commitment in mind that I am establishing the William Averette Anderson Fund for Hazard and Disaster Mitigation Education and Research.”

Anderson passed away unexpectedly on December 29. For more than two decades, Bill served as the National Science Foundation program officer for the Natural Hazards Center, providing invaluable guidance and support. His distinguished career included positions at the American Sociological Association, NSF, the World Bank, and the National Academies. He was a consummate researcher, mentor, and leader.

Those interested in learning more about the fund or making a contribution can visit the Fund website or check in on a Facebook page that’s been created to help promote the effort.