Historical Study of Disasters in Comparative Cultural Perspective

A Research Network

Historical and comparative investigations can deepen our understanding of disasters as social processes in a crucial way. Experiences of disaster management in the past and in different cultural circumstances may be valuable for coping with disasters in the present and the future.

This is why the research network Historical Study of Disasters in Comparative Cultural Perspective, introduced on the following pages, seeks to initiate, promote, and maintain exchange with all institutions and scholars from all disciplines dealing with disaster.

Research Networks are a relatively new programme of the German Research Foundation directed to young scholars working in the humanities and the social sciences. Focused on a subject, they shall have the opportunity to cooperate internationally. The period of funding is three years. The German Research Foundation supports up to six meetings of the network, coordination and publications of the group.

The network Historical Study of Disasters in Comparative Cultural Perspective has been funded since August 2005. The group consists of a fixed number of scholars. The following pages are to provide information on the group and its activities.