Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) is set to play a pivotal role in a new international initiative, the SCOPE-HE Digital Transformation for Natural Hazards (DigiHaz project), aimed at revolutionizing how natural hazards are addressed in the Philippines and Malaysia. This ambitious undertaking, focused on digital transformation, seeks to bolster research capabilities and develop innovative tools to mitigate the escalating threats posed by climate change.This along with two other projects were approved for funding by the EU through the Global Gateway initiative out of 120 project proposals worldwide.
The SCOPE-HE Digital Transformation Cluster project is spearheaded by the University of Alicante in Spain and co-developed with the University of West Attica in Greece. Recognizing that natural disasters have inflicted substantial damage in the past and are projected to intensify due to climate change, the project will foster a new generation of experts equipped with cutting-edge digital skills.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the development and delivery of a doctoral program, the PhD in Digital Transformation for Natural Hazards (PhD in DigiHaz). This program will be offered at four esteemed higher education institutions (HEIs) in Asia: Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Utara Malaysia, and the University of the Cordilleras.
The formalization of this significant collaboration took place at a grant signing ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia. Representing Xavier University were Dr Hercules R Cascon, Dean of the College of Engineering and the appointed Project Leader, alongside EnP./Engr Jefferson R Vallente Jr, Research Coordinator of the College of Engineering and a faculty member of the Geomatics for Disaster Risk Reduction Program at XU. Their presence underscores XU's commitment to advancing research and innovation in disaster risk reduction.
The DigiHaz PhD program is designed to be a high-quality, specialized course of study. It will immerse researchers in the latest advancements in big data analysis, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and computational modeling. A key focus will be on training these scholars to effectively apply these methodologies to natural hazard modeling and disaster risk reduction strategies.
This forward-thinking PhD program is anticipated to deliver substantial benefits beyond academia. By equipping experts with these sophisticated digital tools, the project aims to enhance the resilience of communities and improve the operational capabilities of various stakeholders and agencies involved in emergency management. The new knowledge and tools generated are expected to directly contribute to more effective adaptation and mitigation efforts in the face of increasingly complex natural hazard scenarios.
Building on the strong partnership established through the geoDRR Erasmus+ project, this new SCOPE-HE grant allows XU to further advance our collaborative efforts in addressing critical challenges related to natural hazards. This continuity strengthens our commitment to enhancing research capacity and promoting innovation in the region.
The DIGIHAZ project underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges and highlights the role of higher education in driving innovation and sustainable development.
Xavier University and the project partners are excited to embark on this collaborative journey and contribute to building more resilient communities in the region.
About SCOPE-HE:
The EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education Programme (SCOPE-HE) aims to promote sustainable connectivity between the European Union and ASEAN countries through higher education collaboration. This initiative is funded by the European Union, implemented by Nuffic, the Netherlands’ organisation for internationalisation in education, in partnership with the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), builds upon the successes of previous programmes like SHARE and ERASMUS+. Check the web site for more details: https://euinasean.eu/scope-he/
The SCOPE-HE project and the establishment of the DigiHaz PhD program signal a proactive step towards building a more resilient future for regions frequently impacted by natural disasters.