EUMA Summer School: Disaster Risk Management 2.0: Current and Future Challenges

Course description

This Course is offered as part of the EUMA  project, an initiative funded by the European Union to strengthen the capacity of civil protection professionals and disaster risk managers, including those in the private sector. EUMA has brought together a network of universities and higher education institutions across Europe to design and develop a high-level, tailor-made postgraduate Master's programme in disaster risk management. Over the course of two years, various pilot teaching activities, such as workshops and intensive one-week schools, have been organised to test academic content and innovative teaching methods. This Course marks the final teaching activity of the project.

Structured over five consecutive days (Monday to Friday), the Course comprises 36 hours of teaching. It will start at 14:00 CET on Monday and conclude at 15:00 on Friday. The programme features thematic sessions of 1.5 to 2 hours, a half-day practical exercise, and a half-day field excursion, offering a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Course target

The Course is designed for practitioners working in the field of disaster management at the national, EU, or international level, as well as for researchers, other academics, and graduate or postgraduate students with an interest in the subject.

Applicants must hold a university degree of at least three years, or equivalent, in any discipline and possess a good working knowledge of English.

Training objectives 

The Course aims to equip participants with a solid and interdisciplinary understanding of current and emerging trends in disaster risk management.

Teaching methods

In addition to classroom-based learning, participants will engage in a practical exercise and a field visit organised in collaboration with the Italian Fire Brigade.

Course programme

• Welcome Day and Opening Session: This session will provide an overview of the course’s objectives and logistics, include an introduction round for all participants, and feature a keynote speech by a renowned international expert in disaster management.

• Rules, Institutions and New Hazards: This day will explore recent developments in the international and EU legal frameworks governing disaster management. It will also address emerging challenges such as cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and natural-technological (“natech”) hazards.

• EU and National Risk Assessment: This module will examine the purpose, structure, and methodology of national risk assessments, the EU’s role in shaping risk assessment policies, and the use of horizon scanning to anticipate emerging risks.

• Geopolitics and Security Issues: Presentations will focus on the security implications of recent geopolitical developments, particularly for European countries, and the ways in which the EU can support Member States in responding to these challenges.

• Exercise and Excursion: Participants will take part in a hands-on exercise designed to familiarise them with international disaster relief missions.

Attendance certificate

At the end od the Course, the Sant'Anna School will issue a certificate of attendance to participants who have attended at least 80% of the classes.