Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF, 2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough's academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading' or ‘internationally excellent', compared to a national average figure of 43%. In choosing Loughborough for your research, you'll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career. Urban planning policies are often considered to be an important mechanism for disaster risk reduction in cities. However, evidence shows disasters are not a technical problem and thus require a much more in-depth socio-political understanding. Many technocratic solutions – including urban planning policies – have been introduced over the years that have actually increased vulnerability of various segments of marginalised populations. The aim of this project is to explore the role of urban planning in disaster risk reduction and disaster risk creation in different geographical and social settings.