Areas of Research at IDM

At the Institute for Disaster Management, we believe that research informs practice, and practice informs research. This is why our diverse team of experts takes a multidisciplinary approach to disaster and public health research. Our research focuses on conceptual frameworks to combat new and emerging threats along with disaster policy, modeling, education, and training.

The Institute for Disaster Management seeks to reduce casualties, infrastructure and environmental damages, and social disruptions due to natural, technological, and human-made disasters. IDM has subject matter expertise in risk analysis, planning, training, and the development of response capabilities to better prepare practitioners in the United States and abroad.

Students seeking research experience are welcome to reach out via email or this form.

Take a closer look at some of our areas of research below:  

Crisis Communications

  • Social Media in Disasters 
  • Mass Notification Dissemination

Emerging Infectious Diseases

  • Ebola 
  • COVID-19 
  • Designated Infection Control Officers (DICOs)

Disaster Exercises and Planning

  • Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) for Practitioners 
  • Mass Casualty Events 
  • Triage Management

Vulnerable Populations and Communities

  • Disability Inclusion 
  • Local-level Emergency Preparedness
  • Empowering Bystanders 

Modeling Impacts of CBRNE Incidents

  • Improvised Nuclear Devices 

Climate Change and Natural Hazards

  • Geographic Information Science 
  • Climate Resilience

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Three IDM Student Employees Recognized in UGA’s 2026 Student Employee of the Year Competition

Each year, the University of Georgia recognizes its top 100 student employees through a competitive nomination process. This honor draws awareness to the outstanding achievements of the working students who

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Caring for the Canine First Responder

UGA researchers propose national training standard for OpK9 emergency care You wake up on a Monday morning, strap on your gear, and get ready to head out for a 12-hour

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Heat poses additional risks post-hurricane

Researchers urge adoption of official fifth hurricane hazard A new study from the University of Georgia suggests hurricanes may now pose an additional danger to people through heat exposure. Hurricanes