Welcome to the IDRiM Podcast

We are in a rapidly evolving world, meaning that the need for platforms that engage, educate, and empower society has never been more apparent. A podcast tailored to the interests and concerns of our community not only serves as a beacon of information but also fosters a sense of belonging and understanding among its listeners. By delving into diverse topics ranging from climate change and meteorological disasters to Natech disasters and terrorism, such a podcast has the potential to become a powerful tool for positive social change. In this age of digital connectivity, where voices from all corners of society yearn to be heard, the creation of a podcast offers an unparalleled opportunity to amplify junior researchers’ voices, speak meaningful dialogue, and inspire collective action.

This podcast series is going to run in a way that every Tuesday, there will be a new episode focusing on different aspects of the disaster, whether it be a recap of this month, whether it be about what we do like a documentary episode, whether it be asking students to see research about their career development, or even just asking PhD students who have just graduated to their research.

Episode #1
Listen on Spotify

For our inaugural episode, we aim to explore the origins and future of the IDRiM Society with the first and current Presidents of IDRiM.

Guests:
•     Prof. Norio Okada (Kyoto University, Japan)
•     Prof. Ana Maria Cruz (Kyoto University, Japan)
 
Co-Hosts:
•     Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, UK)
•     Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Kyoto University, Japan)
More information about how to join the IDRiM society is available at: ⁠https://idrim.org/⁠
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Watch it on YouTube:

Episode #2

Title: IDRiM Podcast #2 Disaster Recap – January 2025: Storm Éowyn

Background:
Storm Éowyn, a powerful extratropical cyclone, wreaked significant havoc across the UK, Ireland, and parts of Scandinavia in late January 2025. It inflicted widespread damage, particularly to the electricity network, affecting over 560,000 homes, businesses, and farms, and causing numerous power outages. The storm also brought intense winds, with recorded gusts up to 184 km/h in Ireland and 217 km/h in Scotland, leading to extensive structural damage, hazardous travel conditions, and further environmental impacts like blizzard conditions in higher elevations of Scotland​. This episode will explore the science behind this record storm and its impacts on both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Guest:
  • Mr. Paul Downes (Met Éireann, Ireland)
Co-Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)
  • Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Kyoto University, Japan)
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Episode #3

Title: IDRiM Podcast #3 Improving Countermeasure Strategies against Volcanic Ash Risks due to Large Eruptions

Summary:
Volcanic catastrophes, such as those from eruptions producing widespread ash, pose significant threats to ecosystems, infrastructure, and economies, with effects like disrupting air travel, contaminating water, and damaging buildings. Large-scale eruptions, like the potential one at Sakurajima in Japan, are particularly concerning due to their ability to impact broad areas far from the eruption site, necessitating comprehensive response strategies. Haris’ doctoral study focuses on improving countermeasures for volcanic ash disasters, utilizing a newly created volcanic ash hazard database to analyze risks and impacts on various spatial and temporal scales. The research proposes a dynamic decision support system to refine evacuation strategies and emergency responses based on updated hazard predictions and meteorological data. By continually adjusting emergency plans to better manage volcanic risks, the study aims to minimize the repercussions of eruptions and enhance safety and decision-making processes.
Guest:
  • Dr. Haris Rahadianto [Kyoto University, Japan]
Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry [Northumbria University, UK]
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Episode #4

Title: IDRiM Podcast #4 “Serious Gaming for Natech Risk Awareness: Introducing EGNARIA”

Paper Abstract: “Raising awareness regarding natural hazard-induced technological accidents, specifically those involving the release of hazardous materials (Natech), is essential for involving communities in their effective risk management and bolstering disaster preparedness. This study investigates the efficacy of serious gaming as a tool for Natech risk communication through the development of EGNARIA, an innovative, educational, role-playing board game. Focused on earthquake and tsunami scenarios leading to potential chemical accidents, the game prompts players to take disaster preparedness actions in response to natural and chemical hazards. EGNARIA aims to enhance community awareness of Natech accidents and stimulate discussions among stakeholders on risk management strategies, chemical information disclosure and risk-informed decision-making. A quasi-experiment, including a questionnaire survey before and after a workshop with university affiliates, assessed the game’s impact. Our preliminary findings indicate a positive reception, with participants viewing the game as an engaging, educational tool. EGNARIA’s immersive scenario-based game design seems to foster experiential learning by encouraging dynamic strategy development, enhancing spatial awareness of chemical accident risks, and effectively conveying complex technical concepts to broader audiences. The game successfully raised awareness about Natech accidents, emphasising the importance of community involvement and chemical information disclosure.”

Link to Journal Paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.105080
Guest:
  • Dr. Dimitrios Tzioutzios (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway)
Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)
  • Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Kyoto University, Japan)
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Episode #5

Title: IDRiM Podcast #5 “The Attitudes of Households for Disaster Risk Management in Fogera, Estie and Ebenat Woredas (Ethiopia)”

Paper Abstract: “The underlining disaster risk management practice translates the combination of knowledge, attitude, and action to maximize the effectiveness of responses against disasters. While knowledge and disaster risk management activities move along simultaneously, attitudes are inherent to individuals posing challenges to easily identify issues and then taking extended time to change. Lack of scientific wisdom on the perception of individuals towards disaster management, and the limited understanding of different factors that influence attitudes, complicates the endeavor in response to the increasingly uncertain future. This study assesses the attitudes of households for disaster risk management in the nine kebeles, the lowest administrative unit in Ethiopia, and 32 villages in Fogera, Ebenat and Estie districts (Woredas, the main administrative unit similar to county). Cross-sectional quantitative method was employed, and attitudinal survey was conducted among 412 households selected through probability simple random sampling. Purposive nonprobability sampling technique was used to identify research kebeles based on disaster prevalence, and to collect supplementary attitudinal data from 64 participants representing academia and local stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and parametric test of variance and covariance have been conducted to determine the attitude levels and to assess major factors influencing households’ attitude for disaster risk management.
Results indicated that most of the households (53%) have a fairly positive attitude. Households with negative (27%) and extremely negative (20%) perception are concentrated in rural kebeles that are highly affected by recurrent disasters. Therefore, households in disaster affected areas have negative and unconstructive perception for disaster risk management. This is mainly associated with lack of active community participation and ineffective risk management activities. Households’ attitude is also significantly affected by age (p = 0.0001), and within different age groups (p = 0.001), location by kebeles (p = 0.0237), education levels (p = 0.0016), education status (p = 0.004) and experience in indigenous risk management practices (p 0.00001). In addition, this study revealed a linear relationship within all the identified factors and households’ attitude levels. Considering the situation in Ethiopia where individual perceptions are deeply rooted, coupled with the results of this study that revealed highly negative attitude among disaster affected households, it is recommended to consolidate efforts and influence attitude through maximizing community participation and enhancing the effectiveness of disaster management.”

Link to Journal Paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/124574-the-attitudes-of-households-for-disaster-risk-management-in-fogera-estie-and-ebenat-woredas
Guest:
  • Mr. Temesgen Alemu Tilahun (Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia)
Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)
  • Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Kyoto University, Japan)
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Episode #6

Title: IDRiM Podcast #6 “Funda Atun: My Life in Research”

Background: “As we enter the month of March, the IDRiM Society would like to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate women in disaster risk science and practice on the IDRiM Podcast. To mark this, we are running a special series of podcast episodes in collaboration with the IDRiM Women in Disaster Risk Science and Practice Committee. Today’s episode is the first of two featuring an interview with Prof. Funda Atun. In this episode, we delve into Funda’s journey in research, exploring how she began her academic career and her current role at the University of Twente.”

Guest:
  • Assoc. Prof. Funda Atun (University of Twente, Netherlands)
Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)
  • Dr. Dr. Irene Petraroli (University of Twente, Netherlands)
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Episode #7

Title: IDRiM Podcast #7 “Funda Atun: Research Projects and Future Directions”

Background: “Building on the previous podcast episode, this instalment delves deeper into Associate Professor Funda Atun’s current research project with PARATUS. The project focuses on promoting disaster preparedness and resilience by co-developing stakeholder support tools to manage the systemic risk of compounding disasters. PARATUS is funded by Horizon Europe and aims to enhance risk management strategies through collaborative research and innovation.”

More about PARATUS: https://www.paratus-project.eu/
Guest:
  • Assoc. Prof. Funda Atun (University of Twente, Netherlands)
Co-Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)
  • Dr. Dr. Irene Petraroli (University of Twente, Netherlands)
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.


Episode #8

Title: IDRiM Podcast #8 “Introduction to the IDRiM Journal”

Background to IDRiM Journal: ”

It is now commonly accepted that disaster risk reduction (DRR) requires tackling the various factors that influence a society’s vulnerability to disasters in an integrated, holistic, and comprehensive way. Thus, integrated disaster risk management is called for. Successful integrated disaster risk management will require integration between disciplines, stakeholders, levels of government, and between global, regional, national, local and individual efforts.
Although the need for integrated disaster risk management is widely recognized, there are still large gaps between theory and practice. Civil protection authorities, government agencies in charge of delineating economic, social, urban or environmental policies, city planning, water and waste disposal departments, health departments, etc. often work independently and without consideration of the hazards in a territory, and the risk they may be (unintentionally) imposing on their citizens. Thus, questions on how to carry out integrated disaster risk management in different contexts, across different hazards, etc., still remain. Furthermore, the need to document and learn from successfully applied risk reduction initiatives, including the methodologies or processes used, the resources, the context, etc. are imperative to avoid duplication of efforts or repeating mistakes.
In an effort to promote integrated disaster risk management the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI) of Kyoto University and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) have carried out a series of nine international forums on integrated disaster risk management since 2001. The IIASA-DPRI Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRiM) Forums have provided a platform for discussion, presentation of research findings, and innovative implementation approaches on integrated disaster risk management. The IDRiM Forums have been promoted also by many national and international organizations including Beijing Normal University, the International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES, Iran), the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED), the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR), the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC/EC) and many others.
In October 2009, based on the excellent IDRiM Forum achievements, the organizers of the Forum launched the IDRiM Society and its journal. The IDRiM Society was enthusiastically welcomed and its Charter approved by more than 100 international experts, researchers, practitioners, and individuals from more than 20 different countries working in the disaster risk management field.
The IDRiM Journal builds upon the existing international and interdisciplinary network fostered by the IDRiM Forum and 10 years of the annual IDRiM Conference attracting high quality manuscripts of validated, real world cases of successful integrated disaster risk management practices and research.
IDRiM Journal: https://www.idrimjournal.com/
Guest:
  • Prof. Hamilton Bean (University of Colorado Denver, United States)
Co-Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom
  • Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Kyoto University, Japan)
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Episode #9

Title: IDRiM Podcast #9 “Disaster Recap – February 2025: Ōfunato Wildfire”

Summary:

In late February 2025, a massive wildfire broke out in Ōfunato, a city in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture, marking the country’s largest wildfire in over five decades. The blaze ignited on February 26 and rapidly spread due to unusually dry conditions and strong winds, consuming approximately 2,900 hectares—about 9% of the city’s area—before being contained on March 9. This devastating event led to the destruction of 171 structures, including 102 homes, and tragically resulted in one fatality. The wildfire prompted evacuation orders affecting over 4,500 residents at its peak, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters. More than 2,000 firefighters, supported by aerial firefighting teams, were deployed from across the country to combat the blaze. The firefighting efforts were bolstered by significant rainfall on March 5, which aided in slowing the fire’s progression. In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced plans to designate the wildfire as a “disaster of extreme severity,” ensuring increased central government support for local recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Guest: Dr. Yoshiya Touge [Kyoto University, Japan]
Co-Hosts:
  • Dr. Mark Ashley Parry [Northumbria University, United Kingdom]
  • Dr. Haris Rahadianto [Kyoto University, Japan]
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Episode #10

Title: IDRiM Podcast #10 “Introduction to the IDRiM 2025 Young Scientist Session”

Summary:

The Young Scientists Session (YSS) is a unique and valued feature of the annual IDRiM Conference, offering young scientists and practitioners the opportunity to present their innovative research to a wider audience. This year’s YSS will be larger than ever, with options to present both online and in-person.
In addition, we are introducing eight career development workshops, a few days before the conference, covering key topics such as academic publishing, grant writing, transitioning into practice, effective communication, and professional development. These interactive sessions will include discussions with experienced researchers, industry practitioners, and journal editors, providing valuable insights and guidance for early-career professionals.
  • Full details about the online YSS will be shared with all members and partner channels very soon.
Guest: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry [Northumbria University, United Kingdom]
Host: Dr. Haris Rahadianto [Kyoto University, Japan]
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.


pisode #11

Title: IDRiM Podcast #11 “Gender, International Law, and Disasters”

Abstract:

Charting gender within international law on disasters is a twofold exercise: The first, more limited, inquiry concerns the development of regulations on disasters and disaster risk and the position of gender within these instruments. The second, more foundational, question is that of the position of gender and the space allowed for feminist and queer perspectives within international law itself, which, in turn, relates strongly to the root causes of disasters and the creation of disaster risk.
References to a “gender-based” approach to disaster risk management are abundant in international law and policy instruments and can be seen in, for example, both the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (Sendai Framework) and the International Law Commission’s (ILC) 2016 Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (ILC Draft Articles)—two leading international law and policy instruments on disasters. However, neither of these instruments accounts for a particularly inclusive view of gender, nor do they engage with the underlying reasons for gender inequality. This is illustrative of broader issues concerning gender in international law and policy, and many of the challenges and shortcomings of international law and policy on disasters are inherent and (re)produced in the very fabric of the international legal system. Therefore, in addition to exploring the extent to which gender has been incorporated into the legal frameworks on disasters to date, it is essential to also critically explore core structures and practices of international law.
Profile: https://research.ucc.ie/profiles/maronsson-storrier@ucc.ie
Guest: Dr. Marie Aronsson-Storrier [University College Cork, Ireland]
Host: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry [Northumbria University, United Kingdom]
Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.