Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience

The Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming and respectful environment where all members of our community can thrive.

As a leading interdisciplinary research institute, we recognise that hazards, disasters and environmental change do not affect all people equally. Vulnerability, exposure to risk and resilience are shaped by social, economic, cultural and environmental factors. Through our research, partnerships and engagement activities, we seek to better understand these inequalities and contribute to more equitable and resilient futures.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) informs how we conduct research, collaborate with partners, support our members and deliver impact across local, national and international communities.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Creating an inclusive environment for staff, students, Fellows and visitors.
• Promoting equality of opportunity and encouraging participation from individuals of all backgrounds.
• Valuing diverse experiences, perspectives and expertise.
• Supporting respectful collaboration across disciplines, sectors and cultures.
• Embedding inclusive practices within our research, events and engagement activities.
• Supporting Durham University's wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives.
• Ensuring our work contributes positively to society and supports communities facing hazard and risk.

Inclusive Research

Inclusion is fundamental to resilience research.

The Institute works with communities, policymakers, practitioners, governments and non-governmental organisations to address complex challenges relating to hazard, risk and resilience. Through these partnerships, research is informed by a broad range of perspectives and lived experiences.

Our research community spans the physical sciences, social sciences and humanities, bringing together expertise from diverse disciplines to address global challenges in innovative and inclusive ways.

Research undertaken by members of the Institute includes climate change adaptation, community resilience, social vulnerability, climate justice, gender and environmental change, refugee vulnerability, disaster risk reduction, sustainable infrastructure, and health and wellbeing.

EDI in Action

Supporting Vulnerable Communities

Many IHRR researchers work alongside communities affected by natural hazards, environmental change and social inequalities. Through this work, the Institute seeks to support evidence-based policy and practice that improves resilience and wellbeing for those most affected by risk.

Climate Justice and Social Vulnerability

Research across the Institute explores how climate change and environmental hazards affect groups differently and seeks to identify more equitable and inclusive approaches to adaptation, preparedness and resilience.

Gender and Resilience

IHRR recognises the importance of understanding gender dimensions within hazard and resilience research. By exploring how environmental risks and resources are experienced differently, researchers contribute to wider discussions around equality, participation and community resilience.

Inclusive and Participatory Research

Working directly with communities, policymakers and practitioners helps ensure that diverse voices inform research design, implementation and impact. This collaborative approach strengthens both the quality and relevance of the Institute's research.

Inclusive Events and Engagement

IHRR hosts a programme of seminars, workshops, conferences and networking activities that are open to a wide audience.

Where possible, we aim to:

• Provide hybrid participation options.
• Support accessibility requirements.
• Encourage diverse representation among speakers and participants.
• Create welcoming and respectful spaces for discussion and collaboration.
• Facilitate engagement between researchers, practitioners, policymakers and communities.

By offering opportunities for both in-person and online participation, we seek to reduce barriers to engagement and enable wider involvement in Institute activities.

Supporting Early Career Researchers and Students

The Institute is committed to supporting researchers and students at all stages of their academic and professional development.

We provide opportunities for:

• Networking and collaboration.
• Interdisciplinary engagement.
• Research dissemination and communication.
• Career development and mentoring.
• Participation in Institute activities and events.

Through our collaborative research environment, we aim to create opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to develop, contribute and succeed. 

Our Priorities

The Institute will continue to:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of activity.
• Support and celebrate diversity within our research community.
• Encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
• Improve accessibility and inclusivity across events and communications.
• Strengthen opportunities for Early Career Researchers and students.
• Share examples of good practice from members, partners and collaborators.
• Embed EDI considerations within research, engagement and impact activities.

Get Involved

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a shared responsibility, and we welcome ideas, feedback and examples of good practice from Fellows, students, colleagues and partners.

If you would like to discuss EDI initiatives within the Institute or share examples of inclusive research and engagement activities, please contact the IHRR manager ihrr.manager@durham.ac.uk.