2nd International Training Workshop on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation

I.  Background and Objectives

CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation (SDIM) is formally established in 2013, jointly sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), and hosted by the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI) of CAS. The goal of the Centre is to conduct much-needed research on disaster mitigation through advanced space technologies, especially space-borne Earth observation technology and provide knowledge transfer in developing countries through joint research, education, training workshop and advisory services.

In response to the needs of developing countries in disaster mitigation to tackle the natural and human-induced environmental disaster, SDIM will organize the 2nd International Training Workshop on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation with the theme of “Earth observations for Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries: Scientific and Practical Approach”. It has the purpose of providing a scientific and practical guide to the participants from the developing countries, with examples of good practices in implementing disaster mitigation and recommendations for actions. Experts from various national and international institutions, including TWAS, UN agencies, ICSU, GEO, etc., will share their experiences with working on disaster mitigation and Earth observation.

II．Host & Co-organizers

Host:

CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation

Co-organizer:

Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI), Chinese Academy of Sciences

RADI is a comprehensive research institute directly under CAS. It was established on September 7, 2012, through consolidating two CAS institutes: the Institute of Remote Sensing Applications (IRSA) and the Center for Earth Observation and Digital Earth (CEODE). RADI has become an important task force in the field of Earth observation, with competence in various key areas, including space borne-airborne-ground remote sensing data acquisition and processing, basic research into remote sensing and geospatial information science, Digital Earth science platform and information analysis on global environment and resources, a competent research team covering a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, and S&T international collaboration.

This Workshop is also supported by: International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE), International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO, and China Committee for Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR CHINA). 

III.  Date & Place

Date: 03-13 June, 2014

Place: Beijing, China 

IV.  Participants

The training workshop will bring together early- and mid-career scientists from developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America wishing to increase scientific knowledge of disaster mitigation and space technology. The policy makers and managers from developing countries are also welcome to apply for participating in the workshop. As the number is limited to 20 people, only those who are qualified can be selected as formal participants. Female applicants will be given priority.  

V.  Application:

Conditions: early- and mid-career scientists, policy makers from developing countries with background of space technologies or disaster mitigation as an advantage; skills of fluent English communication required.  

Application:

(1) Applicants fill in the attached application forms and submit them to the SDIM Secretariat at sdim@radi.ac.cn or by fax +86-10-8217-8104. Application deadline is 4 April, 2014.

(2) The selection group will routinely examine the applications and notify the applicants of the decisions before 20 April, 2014. Invitations will be sent to the selected applicants for visa formalities at the same time. 

VI.  Financial Assistance

Those applicants who have been selected will be provided round-trip international airfares between their home countries and Beijing (economy class), and the local expenses such as board and lodging, field tour, local transportation, etc. during the Workshop. 

VII.  Language

The language of the Workshop is English. Knowing or speaking some Chinese will be an advantage.  

VIII.  Topics

• Introduction of Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation and Disaster Risk Situation in Developing Countries
• Spatial Data Receiving and Processing
• Theory and Practice of Remote Sensing
• Data Management of Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation
• Disaster Risk Management Processes
• Assessment of Disasters Risk
• Application of Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
• Principles and Concepts of Recovery and Reconstruction 

IX.  Lecturers

The lecturers will be composed of well-known experts on space technology for disaster mitigation from China and the world. 

X.  Workshop Awards

• All workshop participants will receive a one-year membership to the International Society for Digital Earth.
• We will track the performance of participants and ensure that the training is accomplishing its goals. The best workshop participants will be provided travel grants for attending or presenting research at future seminars or conferences to be organized by SDIM.