The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR–NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 21, 2026, to establish a collaborative framework for academic programmes, capacity building, policy research and communication in Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (DMRR).
The partnership aims to integrate science, technology and policy to build a disaster-resilient India through structured academic initiatives, interdisciplinary research and robust public engagement.
Key highlights of the MoU include the launch of a PhD programme in Disaster Management under AcSIR at CSIR-NIScPR with NDMA support, and joint research and policy studies encompassing science communication and capacity-building initiatives in DMRR.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar Aswal, Member of NDMA, highlighted the vision of integrating science with societal preparedness for DMRR. “In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Nine-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction, we are committed to developing a strong network of academic institutes that will work collaboratively on disaster-related research and academic programmes,” he said. “We must fully utilise the transformative potential of communication channels to enhance early warning systems, risk communication, and community outreach. Equally important is our resolve to learn from every disaster through systematic post-event studies and documentation. Only by institutionalising this culture of continuous learning can we strengthen preparedness, refine response mechanisms, and build a truly resilient nation. In this context, this MoU is a significant step toward fostering a strong bridge between scientists and policy professionals to address the complex and evolving challenges associated with disasters.”
Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar, Director of AcSIR, emphasised the academic and research opportunities. “AcSIR has over 7,000 enrolled students and ranks among the top research institutions in India,” he stated. “Our research spans nearly all scientific domains except space sciences, and we strongly encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. This MoU opens new avenues for the students and researchers to develop innovative, research-based solutions to disaster management challenges. It will help nurture a new generation of experts dedicated to strengthening India’s disaster resilience framework towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, highlighted the role of science communication and policy research in DMRR. “CSIR–NIScPR is a unique institution that publishes 15 research journals, leads national initiatives in science communication, and engages in evidence-based policy research,” she said. “Partnering with NDMA and AcSIR will enable us to integrate scientific knowledge into policy and public awareness frameworks for disaster management. Through this collaboration, NIScPR will provide a vibrant platform for policy research and capacity-building efforts while advancing science communication for disaster preparedness. By aligning rigorous scientific inquiry with policymaking, we aim to support development of solutions that are scientifically robust and socially responsive, thereby reinforcing the nation’s disaster resilience framework.”
NDMA, the apex body for disaster management policies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will provide strategic direction and domain expertise. AcSIR, a premier research university, will anchor academic programmes and research initiatives. CSIR–NIScPR will host the academic programmes and drive policy research and public engagement on DMRR.
The tripartite collaboration represents a significant step toward embedding scientific research, science communication and evidence-based policymaking into India’s disaster management ecosystem.
