On February 18, 2025, the Centre for Disaster Management Research (CDMR) at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) in Ratmalana, Sri Lanka, hosted a transformative workshop titled “Interdisciplinary Methods for Disaster Research – Bridging Disciplines to Save Lives.” The event, conducted at the Staff Development Centre, aimed to equip researchers with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective interdisciplinary collaboration in disaster research and management.

Led by Dr. RMM Pradeep, Director of the CDMR, the workshop engaged over 30 KDU staff members, primarily academics. The central theme emphasized the multifaceted nature of disasters and the necessity of integrated, interdisciplinary solutions. Participants recognized that holistic approaches are critical for effective disaster risk management, surpassing the limitations of siloed, discipline-specific strategies.

The workshop fostered a dynamic environment of knowledge sharing and collaboration. Attendees displayed enthusiasm for integrating their research efforts, acknowledging the potential for synergy across disciplines. Key outcomes included:

• Understanding Global Disaster Impact: Participants gained a deeper understanding of the significant financial impact of disasters, noting that global disaster costs reached $343 billion in 2023, according to the UNDRR. This highlighted the urgency and relevance of their research.
• Strengthening the Research-Policy Link: Participants learned how academic research directly influences and shapes policy decisions.
• Integrating Military Insights: The workshop enhanced participants’ ability to integrate valuable military insights into their research, leveraging KDU’s unique academic-military environment.
• Identifying and Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Participants learned to recognize the limitations of single-discipline research and to identify areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is essential.
• Learning from Real-World Case Studies: Through the analysis of the 2011 Tōhoku Disaster and the 2005 Hurricane Katrina floods, participants gained practical insights into the complexities of disaster management and the importance of interdisciplinary solutions.
• Recognizing the Limits of Technology: The workshop reinforced the understanding that technology alone is insufficient and that successful disaster management requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration.

Participants also learned to apply core interdisciplinary principles, such as using “Boundary Objects” like GIS maps to bridge disciplinary gaps and fostering “Epistemic Humility” to acknowledge the limitations of individual disciplines. They gained skills in “Stakeholder Mapping” to effectively identify and engage key stakeholders and adopted “Co-Design” principles to involve end-users from the outset of research projects.

The workshop introduced participants to practical interdisciplinary tools like “Participatory Action Research (PAR)” methodologies and digital collaboration tools. A group activity allowed participants to apply new concepts to real-world problems.

An initial survey revealed that many participants had conducted disaster-related research but had not explicitly framed it as interdisciplinary. This highlighted the need for a shift towards a more collaborative framework.

The workshop successfully demystified interdisciplinary research, making it more accessible to junior academics. The Dean of Research and Development reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary approaches across various domains, including disaster management. The workshop concluded with participants expressing a renewed commitment to collaborative research, recognizing its potential to enhance disaster resilience and save lives.”