About Us
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM)(Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama) is a dynamic, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. Established for an indefinite period, our mission is to elevate the theoretical knowledge base, conduct cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative research, organize impactful national and international conferences, launch and manage academic journals, deliver comprehensive training programs, and perform thorough risk assessments, along with other academic activities in this vital field. Recognizing the immeasurable importance and pivotal role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in disaster risk management, including their proactive contributions to public policy, risk reduction actions, advocacy for enhanced preparedness and resilience, aid to affected individuals, and collaboration with emergency response services, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković founded NSDR-URVS on June 15, 2018. This organization unites scientists and practitioners from Serbia and the region to collectively advance theoretical and empirical principles and support local decision-makers and leaders in managing disaster situations effectively.
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSDR-URVS) is led by President Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, with Anja Beli serving as the Secretary. NSDR-URVS boasts a diverse membership of over 1,500 individuals, including professors from all state and private universities and faculties in Serbia, scientific researchers, practitioners (such as members of the police force, fire and rescue units, emergency medical services, military, and security-related NGOs), as well as students and young professionals directly or indirectly involved in research and practical activities related to emergency situations. Membership is open to all interested individuals and can be obtained by filling out the application form available on our website and submitting it via the Society’s email. Join us and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management.
To further enhance our scientific endeavors, on December 21, 2020, we adopted the Statute and established the International Institute for Disaster Research. This institute serves as a hub for basic, applied, and developmental scientific research in disaster risk management. Our research spans various crucial areas, including disaster and hazard phenomenology, preparedness and risk mitigation, protection and rescue operations, disaster recovery, international cooperation, and legal frameworks related to disasters. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions and sharing our findings to build a safer, more resilient world.
Goals of SPS-DRM
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM) is committed to achieving several key objectives. Firstly, it focuses on conducting research in the field of disaster studies. This includes undertaking comprehensive studies to understand the various facets of disasters and their management. Secondly, the Society aims to establish and manage an international journal, specifically the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, to facilitate the dissemination of research findings and advancements in the field. Additionally, SPS-DRM is dedicated to preparing, applying for, and implementing national and international projects on various aspects of disaster risk management. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to secure funding and support for impactful projects. The Society also prioritizes the promotion, design, implementation, and improvement of preventive measures against disasters, ensuring communities are better prepared and resilient.
Another crucial objective is raising public awareness. SPS-DRM develops and executes campaigns, programs, and plans to enhance public understanding of the necessity for improved disaster preparedness. This includes educating the public on best practices and safety measures. Furthermore, the Society organizes national and international scientific conferences on disaster risk management, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among professionals. Conducting expert risk assessments and developing protection and rescue plans for emergency situations are also vital goals. These activities ensure that there are robust plans in place to mitigate the impact of disasters. Moreover, SPS-DRM is committed to organizing and conducting various forms of training, courses, seminars, and other educational activities for citizens, students, and employees in interested institutions. These programs are designed to enhance skills and knowledge in disaster risk management. Lastly, the Society performs other tasks in accordance with the law and its Statute, ensuring compliance and alignment with broader regulatory and organizational frameworks. Through these comprehensive efforts, SPS-DRM aims to significantly contribute to the field of disaster risk management and improve community resilience.
Dear Members and Potential Members of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM),
Welcome to the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM), a unique and thriving community dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management in Serbia and beyond. By reading this, you are already taking a step toward joining an inspiring network of individuals who are passionate about making our world safer and more resilient in the face of disasters. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an academic, or simply someone with a keen interest in disaster risk reduction, SPS-DRM is your gateway to a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Who Are We?
SPS-DRM is not just an organization; it is a community of action and innovation. We bring together experts, practitioners, policymakers, academics, and enthusiasts who are united by a common goal: to reduce disaster risks and create a more resilient society. Our membership spans a wide range of fields and disciplines, from emergency services and engineering to sociology, urban planning, public health, and beyond.
We believe that disaster risk management is not just a professional duty but a shared responsibility. Disasters, whether natural or human-induced, know no boundaries, and tackling them requires collaborative efforts from all sectors of society. SPS-DRM serves as a platform where these efforts converge, fostering dialogue, innovation, and cooperation.
Why Join SPS-DRM?
Joining SPS-DRM means becoming part of a vibrant network that offers countless benefits and opportunities:
1. A Platform for Knowledge Exchange
At SPS-DRM, we believe that knowledge is power, and sharing knowledge multiplies its impact. As a member, you will have access to exclusive workshops, seminars, and conferences where you can learn from and collaborate with leading experts in the field. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of disaster risk management or share your insights, SPS-DRM provides the perfect platform.
2. Professional Growth and Development
Membership in SPS-DRM is a significant step in your professional journey. You will have opportunities to enhance your skills, gain new perspectives, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in disaster risk management. Our members are often the first to receive invitations to training programs, certification courses, and other professional development opportunities.
3. Influence and Advocacy
As a member of SPS-DRM, you will have a voice in shaping disaster risk management policies and practices in Serbia and beyond. Whether through participating in discussions, contributing to research projects, or advocating for better disaster preparedness measures, your input will help drive meaningful change.
4. Networking Opportunities
SPS-DRM brings together a diverse and dynamic group of individuals from various sectors. By joining, you will have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, build lasting relationships, and collaborate on projects that make a real difference. Our members include representatives from emergency services, government agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations.
5. Personal Fulfillment
There is no greater satisfaction than knowing that your efforts are helping to save lives and protect communities. By contributing to disaster risk reduction through SPS-DRM, you will play a vital role in making the world a safer place.
Membership Benefits
When you join SPS-DRM, you unlock a range of benefits designed to support your professional and personal growth:
- Access to Events and Training: Members receive priority access to workshops, seminars, and conferences organized by SPS-DRM.
- Professional Recognition: As a member, you will be part of a prestigious community recognized for its contributions to disaster risk management.
- Membership Card and Uniform: You will have the opportunity to order an official SPS-DRM membership card and a general-purpose civil protection unit uniform, symbols of your dedication to disaster risk reduction.
- Voting Rights: Members have the right to participate in decision-making processes and vote in elections for the organization’s governing bodies.
- Visibility and Networking: Your photo and profile can be featured on our website, showcasing your commitment to disaster risk management.
- Exclusive Resources: Members gain access to research papers, policy briefs, and other valuable resources that can enhance their work in the field.
How to Join
Becoming a member of SPS-DRM is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps:
- Submit Your Application: Send your personal details, along with a brief statement about your interest in disaster risk management, to one of the following email addresses:
- Membership Fee: Pay the annual membership fee of 3,000 dinars. Payments can be made through the Erste Bank account number: 340-11020546-63.
- Photo Submission: Include a recent photo with your application to be featured on our website’s „Members of the Society“ section.
- Receive Confirmation: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a welcome email along with details about upcoming events and activities.
A Community of Shared Purpose
At SPS-DRM, we believe in the power of community. Our members are not just colleagues but collaborators and friends who share a common vision. Together, we tackle challenges, celebrate achievements, and work towards a safer future for all.
Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your journey in disaster risk management, SPS-DRM offers a supportive environment where you can grow and thrive. By joining, you become part of a movement that is transforming the way we approach disaster risk reduction in Serbia and beyond.
The Impact of Your Membership
Your membership in SPS-DRM goes beyond personal benefits. By joining, you contribute to a larger mission:
- Improving Preparedness: Your support helps us develop training programs and resources that enhance disaster preparedness across communities.
- Driving Innovation: Membership fees and contributions fund research projects and initiatives that advance the field of disaster risk management.
- Raising Awareness: Through our events and campaigns, we educate the public about disaster risks and how to mitigate them.
Our Vision for the Future
SPS-DRM envisions a future where Serbia is a global leader in disaster risk management. We aim to:
- Build stronger partnerships with international organizations.
- Expand our reach to include more members from diverse fields.
- Develop cutting-edge tools and technologies for disaster risk reduction.
- Advocate for policies that prioritize resilience and sustainability.
Join Us Today!
Becoming a member of SPS-DRM is more than just a professional decision; it is a commitment to making a difference. By joining, you will not only enhance your career but also contribute to a cause that has a lasting impact on society.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community and working together to create a safer, more resilient future for Serbia and beyond. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email addresses provided above.
Together, we can achieve great things in disaster risk management. Let’s build a better, safer tomorrow.
Respectfully,
President
Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković
Historical Development of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management
Basic Information and Historical Development*
The Increasing Complexity of Disaster Risks in Serbia: A Call for Proactive Engagement
The dangers posed by disasters in Serbia are expected to grow more complex and severe in the coming years. In the face of these escalating threats, passivity is not an option. It is essential for individuals and communities alike to take an active role in proactive mitigation and disaster preparedness. Our future depends on the choices we make today, and the consequences of those decisions will shape the safety and well-being of generations to come. We are endowed with the freedom to choose, and it is imperative that we make informed and responsible decisions. Sitting idly by is not an option—we must confront the challenge of preparing for the worst-case scenarios that could compromise human safety, whether caused by natural disasters or technological catastrophes.
Serbia’s territory is susceptible to a wide range of natural and anthropogenic hazards. The risk is not uniform across the country; it varies depending on the type of hazard and its potential for destruction. Despite this, no comprehensive assessment has yet been made regarding the resilience of communities in Serbia to disasters. Without a solid scientific foundation, there is little opportunity to improve this resilience or to mitigate the future material and non-material impacts of disasters.
The development of a predictive model incorporating a Community Resilience Index for Disasters in Serbia would be a significant step forward. Such a model would create a foundation for crafting public policies, strategies, and procedures aimed at enhancing community resilience and reducing the impact of disasters on lives and property. This, in turn, would bolster public safety and prepare communities to anticipate and mitigate disaster risks more effectively. By integrating social identity indicators into predictions of community resilience, we can enhance disaster forecasting and readiness, ultimately helping to minimize the losses incurred during catastrophes. Additionally, establishing analytical frameworks to understand both community resilience and social identity in disaster contexts would lay the groundwork for designing innovative information systems. These systems would empower local communities to increase their resilience and effectively manage disaster risks.
Recognizing the critical role that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society play in disaster risk management—whether by contributing to public policy, advocating for improved preparedness and resilience, offering direct assistance to affected populations, or collaborating with emergency services—Professor Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković took the initiative on June 15, 2018, to establish the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSD-URVS). The Society was created to bring together scientists and practitioners from Serbia and the wider region, with the shared goal of advancing both theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of disaster management. Furthermore, the Society aims to provide invaluable support to decision-makers at the local level and to leaders involved in managing emergency situations.
On that pivotal day, June 15, 2018, the founding assembly of the Society was convened. Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, professors from the Faculty of Security Studies, the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, the Faculty of Geography, and the Faculty of Forestry came together to unanimously adopt the Statute that officially established the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
To further enhance the Society’s scientific mission, on December 21, 2020, the Statute was amended to establish the International Institute for Disaster Research. The Institute’s primary focus is conducting scientific research in the field of disaster studies. Its work is carried out in full compliance with Serbia’s Law on Scientific Research and is guided by the Institute’s established and adopted programmatic orientation. The Institute engages in a wide range of research activities, including basic, applied, and developmental studies related to disaster risk management. These efforts encompass a broad spectrum of topics: the phenomenology of disasters and hazards, preparedness and disaster risk reduction, protection and rescue operations, post-disaster recovery, international cooperation, and the legal frameworks that govern disaster response. The Institute also undertakes other activities in line with its Statute, always with the aim of advancing knowledge and practice in disaster management.
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSD-URVS) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established for an indefinite period. Its mission is to advance the theoretical understanding of disaster risk management, conduct quantitative and qualitative research, organize national and international conferences, launch and manage academic journals, and provide training and risk assessments. Through these and other academic activities, the Society seeks to contribute meaningfully to the field of disaster management, both in Serbia and beyond.
Figure 1. Official Emblem of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management
Dear Sir/Madam,
You can contact us through the following emails:
Secretariat of the Society: upravljanje.rizicima.vs@gmail.com
President of the Society: vladimirkpa@gmail.com
Bilten/Newsletter
