Vision

A disaster resilient Texas

Mission

To enhance disaster resilience by bridging the gap between research and decision making.

Strategy

Conduct research on disaster risk reduction in partnership with other leaders in the field.

 

Create a collaborative venue for learning and information sharing about disaster resilience.

 

Establish a technology platform to enable the analysis and visualization of natural hazard data in Texas.

Provide state agencies and other decision makers with decision-support tools, data analytics, and evidence-based policy solutions.

 

Promote evidence-based solutions for disaster resilience through outreach, training, and technical assistance.

Goals

Deliver innovative research and educational initiatives to enhance understanding of natural disasters.

Directly support decision makers with data analytics, training and technical assistance, and policy tools that foster resilient communities in disaster-prone landscapes.

Our Strategic Approach

Since the Institute’s creation, we have made great strides to accomplish our mission – through building partnerships with key state agencies and others, expanding our research team, and launching our signature data analytics platform, the Texas Disaster Information System. As we continue to mature as an organization, we have undertaken a strategic planning process to distill and communicate our mission internally and externally.

To learn more, review our Comprehensive Strategic Framework.

Focus Areas

Hazard Analytics: Hazard analytics is the Institute’s foundational platform wherein data is converted to knowledge and knowledge to action through scientific inquiry.

Risk Perception and Communication: The Institute works directly with residents and stakeholders to co-produce risk communication tools that improves decision-making before, during, and after disasters.

Policy and Decision Support: The Institute provides policy and decision support for state and regional-level decision makers as part of our strategy to build a more resilient Texas. Our research and modeling efforts generate the information and tools needed to help shape state policy and better prepare for and mitigate against natural disasters.

Education: As an academic institute with a diverse network of partners, we curate and provide unique learning environments both in-house and internationally for students and researchers to explore their interests and contribute to our program in meaningful ways.

Coastal Risk Reduction:  Many talented IDRT faculty members, researchers, and partners focus their efforts and seek solutions to reduce coastal risk. IDRT aims to develop comprehensive, holistic approaches to Texas coastal research and restoration solutions while incorporating natural, economic and political processes.