RISK-E-SCAPE HUBS
Kathmandu University
The RISK-E-SCAPE Hub at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital is a multidisciplinary center established under the Erasmus+ RISK-E-SCAPE project to strengthen disaster health management and climate resilience in Nepal. Housed within the Public Health and Community Programs of the hospital, the hub brings together academia, healthcare professionals, policymakers, humanitarian actors, and local communities to promote coordinated and evidence-based approaches to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation.
The hub serves as a platform for capacity building through training programs, simulated disaster drills, and professional development, while also supporting early warning systems, risk forecasting, and applied research on climate-driven health impacts. By strengthening the science-policy-practice interface and fostering regional and international collaboration, the RISK-E-SCAPE Hub contributes to improved decision-making, resilient health systems, and empowered communities capable of responding effectively to current and future disaster risks.
Independent University, Bangladesh
The RiskEscape Hub at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) will serve as a dedicated space within the IUB campus to advance disaster health, climate resilience, and community-centred preparedness. Leveraging IUB’s strong academic environment and its commitment to sustainability, the Hub will function as a vibrant platform where students, faculty, practitioners, and researchers can collaborate on locally relevant disaster and climate challenges.
At IUB, the Hub will host awareness meetings, climate-health dialogues, and interactive learning sessions that engage students from various schools—particularly the School of Environmental Science and Management and School of Public Health. These activities will connect classroom learning with real-world disaster risk reduction needs in Bangladesh.
Digital outreach, especially through IUB’s official channels and its active student communities on platforms like Facebook, will amplify the Hub’s work by sharing research findings, preparedness guidance tailored to Bangladesh, and updates on ongoing projects. Training modules, simulation videos, and practical materials will be made available online to support healthcare workers, public health students, and first responders across the country.
By fostering participatory discussions and student‑led initiatives, the Hub will strengthen IUB’s role as a knowledge centre that shapes community-driven solutions for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation in Bangladesh.
Pokhara University
The RISK-E-SCAPE Hub is being established at the Pokhara University Teaching Hospital (PUTH), Pokhara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pokhara University as a central platform under the Erasmus+ funded RISK-E-SCAPE project, Improving Disaster Health and Climate Resilience. Pokhara University Teaching Hospital, recognizing the hospital’s strategic location, adequate infrastructure, and well-trained human resources. As a major healthcare institution, PUTH is well-equipped to handle emergency situations and disaster response efficiently. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency services, ensuring that immediate medical care is available to those affected by natural or human-made disasters. The integration of the RISK-E-SCAPE HUBS within the teaching hospital also facilitates research, training and hands-on disaster management simulations, enabling healthcare professionals, first responders and community volunteers to enhance their preparedness. By leveraging the hospital’s expertise and infrastructure, the Disaster Response Center/RISK-E-SCAPE HUBS plays a crucial role in building resilience, minimizing casualties, and ensuring a swift and coordinated response during emergencies.
The RISK-E-SCAPE HUB operates under a structured and collaborative organogram to ensure effective leadership and management. The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences serves as the Advisor, providing academic and policy guidance, while the Director of Pokhara University Teaching Hospital (PUTH) acts as the Chairperson, leading strategic and operational decisions. Under this leadership, the HUB functions through its technical, research and administrative units to promote collaboration and achieve its goals in research, innovation and capacity building. To support its activities, the HUB has designated a focal person, along with academic and administrative staff. The HUB is being developed in phases, with full physical setup and operations planned by March 2026. Core activities and logistics will be supported by the Faculty of Health Sciences, while essential equipment will be procured through the Erasmus+ budget in accordance with European Commission procedures. The HUB will work closely with key stakeholders, especially health services and the Ministry of Health, to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.