Researchers from the Center for Research on Societal Risks (CSR) at Karlstad University, along with researchers from Örebro University, Gothenburg University, and Jönköping University, are in Japan to contribute to a long-term research collaboration between Sweden and Japan.
Avit Bhowmik and Mikael Granberg, both from CSR, are currently in Sendai, Japan, meeting with researchers at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) at Tohoku University, Sendai, as well as Hiroshima University and Nagoya University.
– The MIRAI network focuses on addressing global challenges through collaboration in research, education, and innovation, says Mikael Granberg, professor of political science at Karlstad University. The network works on four main societal challenges: health and an aging population, climate adaptation, disaster and risk management, resilient cities and communities, and materials for energy conversion and storage.
MIRAI offers various activities and opportunities for researchers, including conferences and workshops, funding to support new collaborations, doctoral courses, and longer research stays at partner universities in Japan. In addition to being part of the MIRAI collaboration, the visit is also part of an ongoing partnership between CNDS and IRIDeS. The main objective of this collaboration is to advance research and doctoral education in disaster risk reduction (DRR), risk management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, with an interdisciplinary approach that integrates both natural and social sciences.
During the visit to Sendai, Avit and Mikael also presented research at the World Bosai Forum, which is a global forum on disaster risk reduction and open to everyone – from citizens to specialists.
– The term "Bosai" covers activities before, during, and after disasters, explains Avit Bhowmik, lecturer in risk and environmental studies at Karlstad University. The session was titled “Resilient Cities and Communities” and I presented research on “Agencies for disaster resilient cities and communities.” Mikael presented research on “Urban politics and climate change adaptation.”
The visit and presentations at the World Bosai Forum are an example of how the MIRAI network contributes to solving global problems through international collaboration and research. By bringing together researchers from different universities and countries, MIRAI creates a platform for sharing knowledge and developing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
- Read more about MIRAI
- Read more about International Research Institute of Disaster Science, IRIDeS
- Read more about World Bosai Forum
- Read more about CNDS
