European Youth Week 2024 (12 - 19 April 2024) is an event organised by the European Commission every second year to celebrate and promote youth engagement, participation, and active citizenship all over Europe and beyond. In honour of European Youth Week, we are publishing a series of interviews with young people in the field of civil protection.
Gavin Brown is an Assistant Professor of Business and Society at Dublin City University (DCU), a role he has occupied for nearly five years. Brown’s expertise lies in Risk and Crisis Management, which he both researches and teaches. His teaching portfolio, while varied, focuses primarily on risk and emergency management, including courses in Building Sustainable Organisations, Business Continuity, and Failure Management.
Have you participated in civil protection projects in the field?
My engagement in civil protection has primarily been through research funded by the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). I am currently preparing to travel to our inaugural EUMA Workshop on Cross-Border Disaster Assistance: Legal and Institutional Aspects, set to be hosted at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna University in Pisa, Italy. Participating in events such as the EUMA Workshop is critical for advancing discussions on fundamental civil protection topics. These gatherings provide a unique platform for both practitioners and academics to delve into core topics within the field.
I recently achieved a significant personal milestone by submitting my PhD for examination later this summer, which examines the factors that influence household emergency preparedness. The PhD required considerable focus which limited my availability for other EU projects.
However, with the completion of my PhD in sight, I am looking forward to dedicating more time to participate in UCPM training and other related projects. This next step is not only a personal goal but also a professional commitment to deepening my involvement and contribution to civil protection efforts.
How have you benefited from the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network (UCPKN) as a young person?
Participation in UCPKN youth events significantly advanced my professional development, especially in the early stages of my career. It provided invaluable insights into civil protection, aligning with my focus on risk and emergency management.
To date, the most significant benefit for me was establishing essential connections with key figures at DG ECHO in the European Commission, which ultimately lead to Professor Caroline McMullan (Professor of Business & Society - Risk & Crisis Management at DCU) and my participation in joining the EUMA research bid: EUMA - Creating an EUropean Higher Education Network for MAster’s Programmes in Disaster Risk Management” which has subsequently been funded by the EU though the UCPM. I am immensely grateful for the UCPKN’s role in this, as without it, our involvement in the EUMA project might not have happened.
My experiences with the UCPKN have enriched my understanding of managing risks and crises at an EU and global level, and I am eager to continue contributing to this field.
What are your personal highlights in civil protection so far?
My career highlights include engagement with the UCPKN which has been a cornerstone of my early career, providing me with some fantastic opportunities. The connections I have made have not only enriched my professional journey but have also deepened my engagement with the broader civil protection community.
Another highlight has been my contribution to civil protection education at DCU. The opportunity to influence and educate students, supporting their continued development, has been fulfilling. It underscores the impact of research and education in building a resilient society and reflects my passion for integrating practical issues into academic research.
My journey in civil protection is only beginning, and I am keen to explore further avenues for contributing to this field.
Any advice you would have for young people getting into the field of civil protection?
My advice is straightforward: reach out and get involved. Civil protection offers vast opportunities, and joining UCPKN youth events is an excellent starting point. These platforms provide educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that are invaluable for career development.
The Knowledge Network editorial team is here to share the news and stories of the Knowledge Network community. We'd love to hear your news, events and personal stories about your life in civil protection and disaster risk management. If you've got a story to share, please contact us.
Thematic series