Conference

About Us

The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM)(Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama) is a dynamic, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. Established for an indefinite period, our mission is to elevate the theoretical knowledge base, conduct cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative research, organize impactful national and international conferences, launch and manage academic journals, deliver comprehensive training programs, and perform thorough risk assessments, along with other academic activities in this vital field. Recognizing the immeasurable importance and pivotal role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in disaster risk management, including their proactive contributions to public policy, risk reduction actions, advocacy for enhanced preparedness and resilience, aid to affected individuals, and collaboration with emergency response services, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković founded NSDR-URVS on June 15, 2018. This organization unites scientists and practitioners from Serbia and the region to collectively advance theoretical and empirical principles and support local decision-makers and leaders in managing disaster situations effectively.

The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSDR-URVS) is led by President Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, with Anja Beli serving as the Secretary. NSDR-URVS boasts a diverse membership of over 1,500 individuals, including professors from all state and private universities and faculties in Serbia, scientific researchers, practitioners (such as members of the police force, fire and rescue units, emergency medical services, military, and security-related NGOs), as well as students and young professionals directly or indirectly involved in research and practical activities related to emergency situations. Membership is open to all interested individuals and can be obtained by filling out the application form available on our website and submitting it via the Society’s email. Join us and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management.

To further enhance our scientific endeavors, on December 21, 2020, we adopted the Statute and established the International Institute for Disaster Research. This institute serves as a hub for basic, applied, and developmental scientific research in disaster risk management. Our research spans various crucial areas, including disaster and hazard phenomenology, preparedness and risk mitigation, protection and rescue operations, disaster recovery, international cooperation, and legal frameworks related to disasters. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions and sharing our findings to build a safer, more resilient world.

Goals of SPS-DRM

The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM) is committed to achieving several key objectives. Firstly, it focuses on conducting research in the field of disaster studies. This includes undertaking comprehensive studies to understand the various facets of disasters and their management. Secondly, the Society aims to establish and manage an international journal, specifically the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, to facilitate the dissemination of research findings and advancements in the field. Additionally, SPS-DRM is dedicated to preparing, applying for, and implementing national and international projects on various aspects of disaster risk management. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to secure funding and support for impactful projects. The Society also prioritizes the promotion, design, implementation, and improvement of preventive measures against disasters, ensuring communities are better prepared and resilient.

Another crucial objective is raising public awareness. SPS-DRM develops and executes campaigns, programs, and plans to enhance public understanding of the necessity for improved disaster preparedness. This includes educating the public on best practices and safety measures. Furthermore, the Society organizes national and international scientific conferences on disaster risk management, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among professionals. Conducting expert risk assessments and developing protection and rescue plans for emergency situations are also vital goals. These activities ensure that there are robust plans in place to mitigate the impact of disasters. Moreover, SPS-DRM is committed to organizing and conducting various forms of training, courses, seminars, and other educational activities for citizens, students, and employees in interested institutions. These programs are designed to enhance skills and knowledge in disaster risk management. Lastly, the Society performs other tasks in accordance with the law and its Statute, ensuring compliance and alignment with broader regulatory and organizational frameworks. Through these comprehensive efforts, SPS-DRM aims to significantly contribute to the field of disaster risk management and improve community resilience.

First International (Virtual) Conference on Disaster Risk Management: Bridging Theory and Practice.

Introduction

The First International Virtual Conference on Disaster Risk Management: Bridging Theory and Practice serves as a dynamic platform for experts, scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the field of disaster risk management to exchange knowledge, ideas, and innovations. This conference aims to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications in disaster risk management, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges. Participants from various sectors, including academia, government, NGOs, and private industries, are invited to engage in discussions that will shape the future of disaster risk management.

International Scientific Conference is organised by the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and International Institute for Disaster Research from Belgrade, and in support and cooperation with… (we will add).

Editor-in-Chief

Prof. Dr. VLADIMIR M. CVETKOVIĆ, Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade.

Conference Topics

The proposed conference topics encompass a wide range of key aspects of disaster risk management. The focus will be on exploring contemporary approaches to risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response, post-disaster community recovery and resilience, as well as adaptation to climate change. Technological innovations, social and psychological dimensions, public policy and governance, and sustainable development will also be discussed. The goal of these topics is to provide a comprehensive overview of current challenges and solutions and to promote multidisciplinary collaboration among participants from various sectors.

I Disaster Risk Reduction

  1. Innovative Approaches to Structural Disaster Risk Reduction (exploring advancements in engineering and architectural solutions aimed at minimizing disaster risks through physical infrastructure improvements)
  2. Non-Structural Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies (examining policy, educational, and community-based approaches that reduce disaster risks without altering physical structures)
  3. Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (empowering local communities to take an active role in disaster risk reduction, ensuring that local knowledge and needs are integrated into disaster planning)
  4. Policy Frameworks for Reducing Vulnerability (analyzing national and international policies that focus on reducing vulnerabilities to disasters, particularly in high-risk areas)
  5. Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis (utilizing innovative tools and methodologies to conduct thorough risk assessments and identify vulnerabilities to disasters at different levels)

II Disaster Preparedness and Response

  1. Technological Innovations in Early Warning Systems (advancing disaster early warning technologies, including real-time data collection, forecasting, and communication systems to enhance preparedness)
  2. Training and Capacity Building for Disaster Responders (developing comprehensive training programs that enhance the readiness and effectiveness of disaster response teams)
  3. Strategic Planning for Disaster Response Operations (best practices in planning and executing coordinated response operations during large-scale disasters)
  4. Coordination between Local and National Agencies (strengthening collaboration between various levels of government and organizations during disaster response efforts to ensure a unified approach)
  5. Public Health and Disaster Medical Services (ensuring the resilience of health systems and medical services during and after disasters)

III Post-Disaster Recovery and Resilience

  1. Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Strategies (best practices in rebuilding infrastructure and communities after disasters, focusing on both structural integrity and sustainability)
  2. Building Long-Term Community Resilience (developing strategies that foster long-term resilience in communities, ensuring they are better prepared for future disasters)
  3. Economic Recovery and Livelihood Restoration (approaches to restoring economies and livelihoods in post-disaster settings, prioritizing sustainability and resilience)
  4. Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services (addressing the mental health needs of disaster survivors through comprehensive psychosocial support programs)
  5. Governance and Institutional Support in Recovery (the role of governance structures and institutions in facilitating effective, equitable, and sustainable disaster recovery processes)

IV Climate Change Adaptation

  1. Adaptation Strategies for Climate-Related Disasters (developing policies and practices that help communities adapt to increasing risks associated with climate-related disasters)
  2. Resilient Infrastructure Development (designing and constructing disaster-resilient infrastructure that can withstand climate-related hazards, reducing future vulnerabilities)
  3. Integrating Climate Change into Disaster Risk Management Policies (ensuring that climate change considerations are incorporated into disaster risk management at all levels)
  4. Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation (utilizing ecosystems and natural processes as part of disaster risk reduction strategies to build resilience to climate change)
  5. Cross-Sector Collaboration for Climate Adaptation (encouraging collaboration across various sectors to enhance effective climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts)

V Technology and Innovation in Disaster Risk Management

  1. Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Disaster Response (leveraging ai for data analysis, decision-making, and resource allocation during disaster response efforts)
  2. Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Hazard Mapping (employing gis technology for precise mapping and visualization of disaster risks and impacts)
  3. Remote Sensing for Disaster Impact Assessment (utilizing satellite and drone technology to assess the scope and severity of disasters in real-time)
  4. Blockchain and Data Security in Disaster Management (exploring the role of blockchain technology in securing data and improving transparency in disaster management operations)
  5. Smart Cities and Disaster Resilience (implementing smart city technologies to enhance urban resilience and preparedness for disasters)

VI Social and Psychological Dimensions of Disaster Management

  1. Psychosocial Support in Post-Disaster Recovery (providing effective mental health services and psychosocial support to disaster-affected populations)
  2. Public Awareness and Risk Communication in Disasters (developing and implementing effective risk communication strategies that empower communities to prepare for and respond to disasters)
  3. Social Inclusion in Disaster Preparedness (ensuring that vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the elderly, are included in disaster preparedness and response efforts)
  4. Community Engagement and Participation in Disaster Management (promoting active participation of communities in disaster risk management initiatives to strengthen resilience)
  5. Cultural Sensitivity in Disaster Management (recognizing and incorporating cultural factors into disaster risk reduction and response efforts to ensure more effective outcomes)

VII Public Policy and Governance in Disaster Management

  1. Legal Frameworks for Disaster Risk Governance (analyzing the effectiveness of legal frameworks in promoting comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management)
  2. Cross-Border and International Collaboration in Disaster Response (enhancing international cooperation and coordination in disaster response, particularly in border regions)
  3. Decentralized Approaches to Disaster Management (exploring the benefits of decentralizing disaster management to empower local governments and communities)
  4. Monitoring and Evaluation of Disaster Policies (establishing continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for disaster risk management policies)
  5. Public-Private Partnerships in Disaster Management (encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities)

VIII Sustainable Development and Disaster Risk Management

  1. Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Disaster Risk Strategies (aligning disaster risk reduction efforts with global sustainable development goals to ensure comprehensive and sustainable outcomes)
  2. Balancing Economic Growth with Disaster Risk Reduction (developing strategies that promote economic growth while minimizing disaster risks and enhancing resilience)
  3. Innovative Financing for Sustainable Disaster Management (exploring new financing mechanisms, such as disaster bonds and microinsurance, to support sustainable disaster risk management)
  4. Green Infrastructure and Disaster Resilience (promoting green infrastructure solutions that enhance resilience to disasters while also contributing to environmental sustainability)
  5. Sustainable Land Use and Urban Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction (implementing land use and urban planning strategies that reduce disaster risks and support sustainable development)

Who May Be Interested?

Are you passionate about advancing the field of disaster risk management? This conference is the ideal platform for academics, researchers, and professionals who are committed to driving innovation and solving real-world problems. By participating, you’ll connect with a global community of experts and practitioners dedicated to making a tangible impact on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and resilience.

Why You Should Join:

  • Academics and Researchers: Expand your knowledge and contribute to groundbreaking research that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This is your opportunity to showcase your work, receive valuable feedback, and collaborate with fellow thought leaders from around the world.
  • Disaster Management Professionals: Enhance your skills and strategies by learning from case studies, innovative approaches, and the latest technological advancements in disaster response and recovery. The conference will provide you with actionable insights to improve disaster management in your own practice.
  • Government and NGO Representatives: Strengthen your disaster risk reduction initiatives by connecting with experts and exchanging best practices. This conference is an excellent forum for networking and finding partners for future projects.
  • Students and Early Career Professionals: Immerse yourself in the latest research and trends in disaster risk management. This is a chance to learn from the best, present your ideas, and gain inspiration for your future career.

By attending, you are contributing to a global movement that seeks to mitigate disaster risks and protect vulnerable communities. This conference is more than just an academic gathering—it’s a collective effort to make the world a safer, more resilient place.

Instructions for Authors

We invite authors to submit their abstracts for consideration in the First International Virtual Conference on Disaster Risk Management. As this is an entirely online conference, we aim to create an engaging and interactive virtual experience for all participants.

Abstract Submission Guidelines:

  • Deadline: All abstracts must be submitted by the specified deadline.
  • Content: Abstracts should fall within the scope of the conference and be written in clear, concise English. They should clearly present the purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions of the research.
  • Length: Abstracts should be between 300 and 350 words.
  • Structure: Please structure your abstract as follows:
    • Title: Provide a concise and descriptive title.
    • Author(s) Name(s): Full names of all authors.
    • Affiliation(s): Institutional affiliations of all authors.
    • Corresponding Author Email: Email address of the corresponding author for all communications.
    • Abstract Text: Clearly state the purpose, methodology, key findings, and conclusions.
    • Presentation Preference: Indicate if your submission will be an oral or poster presentation.

Presentation Guidelines:

  • Oral Presentations:
    • Oral presentations should not exceed 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Presenters are required to prepare their presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint or a compatible format.
    • Presentations will be delivered via a virtual conference platform (details will be provided upon acceptance).
    • We encourage presenters to incorporate multimedia elements (e.g., videos, infographics) to make their sessions more engaging.
  • Poster Presentations:
    • Poster presentations should be designed for digital viewing with a recommended format of 100×180 cm (although not obligatory).
    • Posters will be displayed in a virtual gallery accessible throughout the conference.
    • Presenters are encouraged to include audio or video descriptions to accompany their posters, enhancing the virtual experience for viewers.

Publication Opportunities:

  • All accepted abstracts will be published in the Conference Abstract Book, available digitally to all participants.
  • Full papers will be included in the Conference Proceedings, which will be published and made available online to all participants and the broader academic community.
  • Presented papers will also have the opportunity to be selected for publication in special issues of reputable international journals, including the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM).

By submitting your work, you are contributing to a global dialogue on disaster risk management, sharing your expertise, and influencing the future of the field. We look forward to receiving your submissions and seeing the impact your research will have on disaster risk reduction efforts worldwide.

HONORARY COMMITTEE

Prof. Dr. VLADIMIR M. CVETKOVIĆ, President of Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and Director of the Interantional Institute for Disaster Research, president of the honoray committee.

RENATE RENNER, PhD, Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversitaet, Leoben, Austria.

Prof. Dr. HARALD RAUPENSTRAUCH, Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversitaet, Leoben, Austria.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Prof. Dr. VLADIMIR M. CVETKOVIĆ, Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Serbia, President.

Prof. Dr. HARALD RAUPENSTRAUCH, Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversitaet, Leoben, Austria.

Prof. Dr. ALEKSANDAR IVANOV, Faculty of Security—Skopje, University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola, 7000 Bitola, North Macedonia

RENATE RENNER, PhD, Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversitaet, Leoben, Austria.

Prof. Dr. TIN LUKIĆ, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.

Dr. SRNA SUDAR, University of Montenegro, Rectorate, Project Office, Cetinjska 2, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro.

Prof. Dr. VLADIMIR JAKOVLJEVIĆ, Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

Prof. Dr. HATIDŽA BERIŠA, University of Defence, Military Academy – Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Serbia.

Prof. Dr. ALEKSANDAR PETROVSKI, Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski” – Skopje, North Macedonia.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

 Prof. Dr. VLADIMIR M. CVETKOVIĆ, Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, President

BOJANA ALEKSOVA, Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and International Institute for Disaster Research.

ANJA BELI, Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and International Institute for Disaster Research

VANJA D. ŠIŠOVIĆ Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and International Institute for Disaster Research