The S&R Foundation today announced the launch of its new initiative, the International Institute of Global Resilience (IIGR), a think tank dedicated to improving the readiness of the global emergency management community through research and education. Dr. Maki Fukami, one of Japan’s leading scientists in the field of emergency management, was appointed as the president of IIGR. Dr. Fukami’s research on organization development and design for emergency management is renowned, most recently published in the Japanese journal, Organizational Science.
“As witnessed by the tragic March 2011 earthquake in Japan, among many other recent natural disasters, there is a greater need for awareness of the vital role of emergency management for global resilience,” said Dr. Fukami, President of IIGR. “IIGR’s programs bring together the brightest minds in the global emergency management community to study, collaborate and share best practices that will save lives and create a safer world.”
IIGR’s mission is to explore the ongoing need for global resilience and its effect on the world’s economy and security. IIGR fellows and staff include notable members of academia and emergency management experts from countries around the world, including a retired specialist from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). IIGR’s initiatives include ongoing seminars, programs and projects focused on emergency management. Research projects bring together teams of experts to explore issues and publish reports related to global resilience. Education programs offer international students lectures by speakers from organizations like FEMA, the International Association of Emergency Managers, George Washington University, among others.
IIGR is a division of the S&R Foundation, a non-profit created in 2000 to support talented individuals with high aspirations in the arts and sciences. The addition of IIGR bolsters the S&R Foundation’s science initiatives. IIGR reflects the global viewpoint and high scientific aspirations that are at the core of the S&R Foundation’s values.
“The S&R Foundation strives to support scientists who show great potential in making a significant impact in our world,” said Dr. Sachiko Kuno, President of the S&R Foundation. “As part of the Foundation, IIGR provides a platform for leaders in emergency management to elevate the importance of the field, while improving global resilience.”
To learn more about IIGR, please visit www.AboutIIGR.org.
About IIGR
Founded in 2012, the International Institute of Global Resilience (IIGR) is a think tank dedicated to improving and enhancing the readiness and professionalism of the emergency management community through education and research. IIGR’s mission is to explore the ongoing need for global resilience and its effect on the world’s economy and security. IIGR is a part of the S&R Foundation. For more information, visit www.AboutIIGR.org.
About the S&R Foundation
The S&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 2000 to support talented individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the sciences and arts, especially those who are furthering international cultural collaboration. Our goals are simple, yet bold: to create, support and facilitate initiatives that encourage scientific and artistic innovation, and promote cultural and personal growth. For more information, visit www.SandRFoundation.org.