Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk and Resilience (CEDRR)

Conflict and disasters afflict some of the most vulnerable populations on earth, and wreak havoc on societies. Prevention, and timely and effective responses are necessary to save lives and preserve infrastructure, and to promote socio-economic recovery and build resilience. 

Conflict and disasters continue to affect some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, placing immense strain on societies, infrastructure, and long-term development. Addressing these challenges requires not only timely and effective responses, but also a strong focus on prevention, recovery, and resilience.

The Centre of Excellence for Defence, Risk and Resilience (CEDRR) at the University of Portsmouth brings together world-leading expertise to tackle these complex challenges. Our work focuses on understanding the drivers of conflict and disaster risk, while developing practical, real-world solutions in collaboration with governmental, non-governmental, commercial, and military partners. Recognising that large-scale crises require coordinated civil and military efforts, CEDRR operates at the intersection of defence, risk, and resilience.

To guide our research, teaching, and partnerships, we focus on three core strategic themes:

• Technologies and Digital Solutions for Defence, Risk & Resilience
• Organisational and Community Resilience, including decision support systems and simulations for emergency and disaster management
• Risk Communication and Risk Perception

At the same time, we remain flexible and responsive to emerging challenges beyond these areas.

Training and Professional Development 

CEDRR provides a wide range of training and support, including:

• Access to degree programmes and bespoke training courses
• Short courses and bespoke executive education, either on campus in discrete blocks of teaching, online at your convenience, or via distance learning or Learning at Work. Many of our programmes are also accredited. 
• Teaching informed by cutting-edge research and real-world expertise
• Support for organisational capacity building and resilience planning
• Business growth, management, and leadership training
• Collaboration in research and innovation projects
• Consultancy services and expert-led reviews and assessments
• Trials, testing, and advisory support for new products and innovations
• Recognition of Prior Learning students can receive academic credit for Recognised Prior Learning on most of our courses, including those serving and former services personnel. RPL can be acquired in previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, reducing the total length of studies. We are also an accredited MOD education provider accepting ELCAS credits which greatly reduce the cost to individual students.

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