BEIJING—The Fourth Meeting of the Scientific Committee for the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Programme took place November 15-17 in Beijing. The meeting was held to discuss the progress of the programme and lay out future plans.

The Scientific Committee is comprised of globally-distinguished researchers and scientists who provide guidance to the IRDR Programme, an international organization aimed at promoting science-based solutions to the challenges posed by natural and human-induced hazards.

The meeting included discussions on building linkages between science and the policy-making process, as well as within the scientific community itself (across disciplines). There were updates on the IRDR National Committees in Canada, China, France, Japan, and two new National Committees in the works in Germany and New Zealand. The Committee also discussed current and future partnerships. Additionally, a number of conferences and forums were planned, including the IRDR Conference in October 2011.

The fifth meeting of the Scientific Committee will be help in April 2011 in Paris.