Message from the Director, Prof. Ryosuke Uzuoka, Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University

It is a profound honor to assume the position of Director of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University as of 1 April 2026. My academic roots with this prestigious institution trace back to April 1987 when I was assigned to the Geotechnical Research Division as a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Engineering under the guidance of Prof. Toru Shibata, Associate Professor Hideo Sekiguchi, Research Assistant Atsushi Yashima, and Research Assistant Mamoru Mimura. Following the completion of my master’s degree, I worked in the private sector, at the RIKEN, Tohoku University and Tokushima University. In April 2017, I joined the Research Division of Geohazards, Geohazards Research Group, DPRI as a professor.

While I was a mere student, Prof. Shibata was serving as the concurrent Director of DPRI. I was not conscious of the position nor the responsibilities his position entailed. Now that I am entrusted with the same important position, it is a responsibility that I accept with deep humility and a clear vision for our scholarly future.
Since its inception in 1951, DRPI has dedicated itself to the pursuit of disaster science principles, and to comprehensive research and education on the development of disaster prevention studies. Our mission transcends the boundaries between the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Responding to diverse disasters occurring around the world, DRPI continues to strive as a world-leading center for disaster prevention research. Its recent reorganization of Research Center for Earthquake Hazards, Research Center for Volcano Hazards Mitigation, Research Center for Landslide Disaster Risk Cognition and Reduction, and Research Center for Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, has enabled practical research aimed at solving real-world problems.

In particular, the term “Disaster Risk Cognition and Reduction” (in Japanese “Misai”) as advocated by this institute refers to a situation that has not yet resulted in a disaster, but which harbors a potential risk that could have led to damage had circumstances been slightly different. Recognizing that this risk is constantly changing, we aim for each citizen to prepare for unprecedented natural disasters or changing risks as if it is “their own problem.” The academic discipline for realizing this concept is called “Misai studies,” and it focusses on the vast array of potential field (the field of pre-disaster) of complex natural disasters, which are combinations of various natural and man-made disasters. With “Misai studies” as our common axis, this institute is committed to generating new knowledge through collaboration with diverse researchers both within and outside the university, and to dedicating itself to nurturing the next generation of talent.

To strengthen our mission, I am pleased to announce the appointment of four Deputy Directors to support me during my term as Director: Professor Tetsuya Takemi (Future Planning), Professor Kimiyuki Asano (Research and Education), Professor Kenji Tanaka (Public Relations and International Affairs), and Professor Takahiro Sayama (Evaluation and Fairness).
We are committed to fostering an open and collaborative environment in which all members can realize their full potential, thereby contributing to the further advancement of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute and the creation of a safe and secure society.
We sincerely count on your continued support and cooperation.

Ryosuke Uzuoka
Director
Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University