Our research
Research is an important part of the AUT Applied Disaster and Risk Research Centre (ADARR). Our members and postgraduate students investigate complex disaster and risk challenges, contributing new knowledge while working alongside external researchers.
The projects and theses below reflect the breadth of student research across disaster risk reduction, resilience, recovery and sustainable development.
Our research findings
From disaster preparedness and emergency management to climate resilience and community-led recovery, these publications from AUT Applied Disaster and Risk Research Centre (ADARR) showcase research that addresses real-world disaster and risk challenges.
Build and Mobilise Partnership projects
Participation and technology in citizen science for strengthening resilience to natural hazards (P-TECH in CITSCI)
The project aimed to assess the role and contribution of technology in fostering genuine participation and citizen science in strengthening resilience to natural hazards in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Disasters and the “Other Gender”: Exploring the Experiences of the Hijra Community in Disasters in India
Aditi Sharan was the primary researcher for this project. It was her PhD project focusing on gender beyond the binary in disasters.
Platform for the Inclusion of Non-normative Genders and Sexualities (NNGS) in Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Action
Under this project, a series of national events (both in person and online) were held in the Philippines and Indonesia and workshops were held online regionally for stakeholders.
Te ara o Tawhaki – What matters most to people in an emergency
The Te ara o Tawhaki is a three-year project that aims to better understand resilience of local communities through community-led indicators.
Understandings of power and embodied methodologies
This project examined how power relations shape participation in efforts to build resilience to disasters, using Waiau Franz Josef, Aotearoa New Zealand, as a case study.
Child-Centred Disaster Risk Reduction in Fiji
This project explored how child-centred disaster risk reduction (CCDRR) can support risk reduction and resilience building in Fiji.
Master of Disaster Risk Management and Development
Disaster risk is driven by many forces, including urbanisation, rising inequalities, the degradation of protective ecosystems, and climate change. If disaster risks lead to an emergency or disaster, an effective response is needed to protect water resources, electricity supplies, agriculture and people’s lives. But an effective and timely response depends on disaster risk-informed preparedness measures and requires bringing together communities, local aid agencies, countries and international organisations. AUT’s disaster risk management and development programmes equip students with complex emergency and disaster risk management skills to make a difference now and in the future.
We offer undergraduate courses as part of the Bachelor of Health Science, and postgraduate study options in the postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and master's degree.