His Risk Assessment professor European University of Cyprus Giorgos Boustras and its Director and President National Observatory of Athens Professor Manolis Pleionis explains the logic behind the MSc in natural and man-made disaster management training.

In a changing world with constant and new challenges, natural disasters and security threats, skilled professionals are needed, able to help create resilient and sustainable societies. In this direction, the European University of Cyprus (EUC) introduces a new Masters in Disaster Risk Reduction and Security Management (MSc Disaster Risk Reduction and Security Management).

In collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens, one of the leading research institutes in SE Europe, which is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year, the EUC innovates and adapts to new modern needs.

“The Master’s will create a new generation of scientists and professionals to help manage the growing emergencies in the wider south-eastern Mediterranean region,” he said. the Professor of Risk Assessment Giorgos Boustrasacademic manager of the postgraduate program at the European University of Cyprus.

He referred to the unprecedented conditions we are experiencing in the region, from the earthquakes in Turkey, the floods from bad weather Daniel to the forest fire north of Alexandroupolis, the largest recorded on the European continent. He pointed out that the climatic conditions affecting the wider region – mainly the great increase in temperature and drought – create severe weather phenomena and desertification that also lead to involuntary migration flows which objectively touch on wider security issues.

The Master’s aims to prepare a new generation of graduates who will be able to play a crucial role in the field. Local, national, regional emergencies, natural and man-made disasters increasingly require skilled planners, managers, scientists, first responders. The study of Climate Change, European and National Security and Emergency Management policies combined with fundamental knowledge of Risk Assessment, Management and Communication will provide students with opportunities to delve into the subject. In addition, students will have the opportunity, apart from high-level theoretical training, to acquire practical skills by participating in the organization of paper-based exercises in simulated conditions.

On his part, the Director and President of EAA, Professor Manolis Pleionisstated that “the specific IAS can and should be the academic platform for training in the scientific documentation of new methodologies and approaches in the extremely current and demanding from society and the State in the field of assessing the risk of natural and man-made disasters, the development of forecasting tools but also innovative methodologies for policy making based on scientific documentation. The cooperation of our specialized academic bodies (CERIDES and EAA) is a guarantee for the success of this educational project”.

Referring to the collaboration of CERIDES and the European University of Cyprus with the National Observatory of Athens, Professor Boustras stated that “it is very important for Cyprus because the EAA is a point of reference in the field of research and prevention”. He added that through this collaboration, the two institutions will seek to introduce new disaster management tools as well as new approaches to issues of international geopolitical conditions and security.

The Master’s degree will be offered from Autumn Semester 2024 in English and Greek, with a study duration of 18 months. For more information, here.

The CERIDES – Excellence in Innovation and Technology is the first interdisciplinary, interschool Center of Excellence of the European University of Cyprus. It was created through the synergies of the Center for Risk, Security and Environment (CERISE) and the Decision Support and Systems Optimization Laboratory (DSSO). It focuses on the development of qualitative and quantitative risk measurement, assessment and communication methods and decision-making systems. With an emphasis on technology, the Center has already developed innovative tools and applications to implement its work. CERIDES research and researchers are funded through their participation in highly competitive research projects. CERIDES aims to become an innovation center that shapes and develops products that can be commercialized at a later stage.

The National Observatory of Athens (EAA)the first research center of modern Greece, has been operating continuously since 1842 offering its services to science and society. Its public character already exists since 1846, the year of its first operation on the Hill of the Nymphs in Thisio, while its course is intertwined with the very history of modern Greece. The path of the Center is marked by enlightened and accomplished scientists who passed on scientific methodology to Greece and opened the way to knowledge. The EAA currently plays an important role in developments and research trends in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space applications, Environment, Energy and Meteorology, Seismology and Geodynamics, at European and international level. It implements major research projects, which are financed by the European Community, the European Space Agency (ESA) and other international organizations, contributing to the promotion of research, scientific development and the attraction and employment of young talented researchers and scientists from Greece and the outside.

For more information about the detailed study programs of the European University of Cyprus visit the website https://euc.ac.cy/ or contact [email protected] and 00357 22713000.

Start of Fall Semester 2024 on October 7, 2024.