Global conference on infrastructure, disasters planned; abstracts invited

A team of Purdue professors will host an international conference on infrastructure and disasters in May, and abstracts are being invited now with a due date of Jan. 10.

The 10th annual conference of the International Institute for Infrastructure Resilience and Reconstruction (I3R2) will meet May 20-22 at Purdue. All interested parties are welcome. The conference theme is "Collaboration for Effective Disaster Mitigation, Response, and Recovery."

Organizers say the conference is especially likely to interest faculty and researchers in the colleges of Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Science, and Liberal Arts, but it is open to all.

The theme reflects the conference's premise that an integrated effort from many disciplines serves best to reduce the effects of disasters and enable recovery. Social, political and economic factors shape these efforts along with technical matters.

In addition to presentation of papers, the conference will offer:
* An array of colloquia, workshops, and panel discussions.
* A competitive poster session (with one-day registration complimentary to students).
* A nearby, off-site demonstration of specialized demolition equipment.

Call for papers

The conference's content will hinge on relevant topics addressed in the double-blind peer-reviewed papers from conferees. The top 10 papers are typically accepted for publication in a special issue of the International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment. Deadlines:
Jan. 10: Abstracts due (175 words or less).
Feb. 7: Abstracts accepted.
March 7: Papers due, for publishing in both the conference proceedings and ePubs; later papers will be published only in ePubs.

At least one paper author must be registered for the paper to be accepted for the proceedings and ePubs. The contents of the proceedings will be final by March 30, and no registration refund will be offered the paper registrant after that date.

The following subjects are some of many possibilities and are suggested to guide and stimulate investigation:

* Recommended enhancements to building and infrastructure design parameters.
* Advances in building and infrastructure post-disaster demolition, restoration, and reconstruction techniques.
* Cooperative agreements necessary for demolition industry support for first responders.
* Reduction of disaster impact by sustainable design and construction.
* Disaster risk assessment and monitoring.

* Dynamics of conflicts and natural disasters.
* Transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery.
* Health aspects of disaster recovery planning and management.
* Disaster research methodologies.
* Role of national and local government in disaster recovery.

* Adapting new technologies to disaster mitigation, response, and recovery.
* Physical and social integration.
* Empowerment of women to reduce vulnerabilities.
* Displaced victim resettlement.
* Community engagement and development to mitigate disasters.

* Social cohesion to speed disaster recovery.
* Media and disasters.
* Management of disaster mitigation and recovery projects.

More about the papers is at www.cvent.com/events/10th-international-conference-of-the-international-institute-for-infrastructure-resilience-and-recon/custom-17-ccd9835b562a401fa90524ef8908f3c5.aspx.

The event is listed also on the College of Technology website at https://tech.purdue.edu/i3r2.

Conference leadership

Conference chair: Robert F. Cox, associate dean of globalization and engagement, College of Technology

Conference co-chairs:
* J. Eric Dietz, professor of computer technology, College of Technology, and director of the Purdue Homeland Security Institute
* Bryan J. Hubbard, associate professor and head of Building Construction Management (BCM), College of Technology
* Makarand Hastak, professor of civil engineering and head of Construction Engineering Management, College of Engineering.

Conference manager: Randy R. Rapp, associate professor and leader of concentration in Disaster Restoration and Reconstruction Management, Building Construction Management, College of Technology

Questions about the conference can be directed to Rapp at rrapp@purdue.edu.