SDIM  aims  to  lead  collaborative  research  in  developing countries that seek to increase the knowledge and capacity to use Earth observation technology for disasters early warning, preparedness, management, mitigation, and recovery. The research outputs are to be disseminated and will assist to craft strategies designed to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience. Technical handbooks, training documents, and strategic advisory reports will be available through the Centre’s website and online information sharing platform.

The SDIM Fellowship is conducted through the CAS-TWAS President’s Fellowship Programme and SDIM Research Fellowship Programme, having the specific theme of space technologies for disaster risk reduction. The SDIM graduate student fellowship is designed for Ph.D. candidates from developing countries. Under the support of the CAS-TWAS President’s Fellowship Programme, awardees will complete dissertation degree at RADI. Funded by the SDIM Research Fellowship Programme, the SDIM visiting scholars and postdoctoral fellowships provide to the early/mid career scientists of developing countries short-term research opportunities at RADI. Main priority is given to collaborative research activities.

The international training courses of SDIM are offered aiming to address the needs of developing countries in disaster risk reduction. The program collects information on international best practices with applications to a variety of hazard events, especially for floods, droughts, earthquakes, tropical cyclones and storms. Each training course stretches over a 2-week period, covering both theoretical and practical aspects on the use of space technologies for disaster mitigation.

The two-day conference series on Earth observation and disaster mitigation are organized every year. The conference facilitates the broad discussion of capacity development for disaster risk reduction, innovative Earth observation products and tools for disaster management and mitigation, and spatial technology and integrated disaster research. Participants to the conference include experts from developing countries and international organizations. After conference, sub-group face to face seminars and video teleconferences for specific disasters and regional issues are set up irregularly.