Goals and areas of expertise
The Center for Interdisciplinary Disaster Research is an association of research groups in the field of disaster research at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau. The aim is to utilize the potential of interdisciplinary research between technology, economics and education. Our specific expertise covers the following areas:
Education in civil protection
disaster management
Resilience in flood risk management
Latest news
Study results published on the preparation of the German population
How well prepared are people in Germany for crises such as power cuts, floods or supply bottlenecks - and how do they actually learn to prepare?
In a new study, our CIDR members Sophie Lacher and Prof. Matthias Rohs together with colleagues, show that disaster preparedness varies greatly among the population. While some are well prepared, many others lack both practical knowledge and concrete action skills.
What can the general public learn from the study?
- Preparedness means more than stockpiling - knowledge and skills are crucial.
- People learn differently - information and training must be diverse and accessible.
- Practical, everyday educational opportunities are particularly important for those who feel less prepared.
Key finding:
Disaster risk reduction is a joint task. Good education, comprehensible communication and practical learning opportunities strengthen the ability to remain capable of acting in crisis and disaster situations.
Lacher, S., Rohs, M., Grossmann, J., & Fliegener, L. (2026). Adult education for disaster preparedness. A cluster analysis of learning strategies and training needs in Germany. S
Cooperations
Science
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands)
- Free University of Berlin
- Geo Research Center Potsdam
- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, (United States)
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
- Medical School Hamburg
- Free University of Berlin
- Berlin University of Technology
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway)
- Mines Tech, Paris (France)
- RWTH Aachen University
- Berlin University of Technology
- Braunschweig University of Technology
- Dortmund University of Technology
- Dresden University of Technology
- Munich University of Technology
- Umeå University (Sweden)
- Environmental Research Center Leipzig
- University of Hamburg
- Universitae Politehnica Timisoara (Romania)
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (Spain)
- Université de Lorraine (France)
- University College London (Great Britain)
- University of Namibia (Namibia)
- University of Queensland (Australia)
- University of Tokyo (Japan)
- Warwick Business School (Great Britain)
- et al.
Practice
- Professional fire departments Kaiserslautern, Magdeburg, Neuwied and others
- Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance
- Deutsche Bahn InfraGO
- German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA)
- Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband
- Düsseldorf Fire Brigade
- Hamburg Fire Brigade
- Flood Competence Center Cologne
- Saxony-Anhalt State Office for Flood Protection and Water Management (LHW)
- Technical Relief Organization, SEEBA, local associations Sinzig, Euskirchen, Achim and others
- West Palatinate Clinic Kaiserslautern
- and others