Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance is emerging globally as a full-fledged academic discipline. As a field of practice it demands specialisation to meet with the ever-dynamic challenges posed by disasters. Recognising that academic education and training in the field of disaster management requires a multidisciplinary approach, the Centre for Disaster Management was established in MMUST in 2004, before it was later upgraded to School for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance
Currently the School offers several programmes, in Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate levels.
The School demonstrates synergies across natural sciences, social sciences and humanities with a focus on building people-centered and participatory approaches towards disaster risk reduction and disaster response. It has carried out systematic work in areas of disaster governance, poverty and exclusion, food security, conflict, human security, GIS and logistics in relation to disasters.
The School has 4 Departments that have a dynamic and iterative relationship, each leveraging the strength of the other two in collaborative partnership.
The School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance is anchored on the philosophy that building resilient societies requires the integration of knowledge, compassion, and innovation. The School recognizes that disasters—whether natural, technological, or human-induced—pose significant threats to sustainable development, human security, and dignity. Therefore, it is our conviction that disaster management and humanitarian action must be grounded in scientific research, ethical practice, and community-centered approaches.
We believe that effective disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response are multidimensional processes that combine preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and long-term development. Guided by this belief, the School strives to develop professionals who are not only technically competent but also ethically responsible, empathetic, and globally conscious.
Our philosophy emphasizes:
Interdisciplinary learning and research that integrates science, engineering, social sciences, and policy studies.
Capacity building and community engagement as the foundation for sustainable resilience.
Evidence-based decision-making supported by innovation, data, and indigenous knowledge.
Ethical leadership and humanitarian values that uphold human rights, dignity, and inclusivity in all disaster and relief efforts.
Collaboration and partnerships with government, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to enhance impact and global relevance.
Ultimately, the School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance seeks to empower learners and practitioners to become transformative agents who anticipate, prevent, and respond effectively to disasters while promoting sustainable development and safeguarding human welfare.
