Reducing the impact of disasters globally presents a huge challenge that requires co-ordinated and collaborative action. This programme is designed for PhD students who wish to improve humanity’s understanding of risk and to overcome the scientific, engineering, technical, social, health and political barriers to increasing resilience to disasters. Students learn how to conduct cross-disciplinary, international, world-class, original, scientific research with significant, positive societal impact within an intellectually and globally diverse student body. There is a focus on disciplinary research methods - in the laboratory, or in the field, depending on the nature of the research - and employing theoretical, statistical, modelling and desk-based techniques. Students' skills in research, teaching, public engagement, communications, consultancy, and knowledge exchange are emphasised. An IRDR PhD provides excellent networks and training for careers in research, research communication, public policy, (re)insurance, catastrophe modelling, risk management, international development, humanitarian assistance, engineering, public policy and many other fields. We run an annual IRDR Careers and Opportunities Fair for students and graduates to seek advice regarding employment, which is attended by a range of recruiters, from the financial sector to disaster response NGOs.