Call for Papers - The Future of Emergency Management

The Journal of Emergency Management Editorial Review Board invites the submission of papers supporting a special issue titled:

The Future of Emergency Management

Our goal is to bring together a broad discussion by thought leaders across the field about the future of emergency management, its form, function, funding, leadership, and responsibilities. Based on the recent political realities, we are in a unique position to effectively reimagine the field for the next 25 years.

Emergency management is a highly complex, multi-faceted, and multi-tentacled field. That is confirmed by the 108 topics below in nine categories, including Overarching topics in emergency management, Organizational Frameworks, Organizational Development, Leadership, Workforce Development, Policy Implications, Funding Implications, Operations Management, Higher Education, and Professional Development. While the graphics above and many of the topics below are specific to FEMA, this special issue is focused on the broader field of emergency management.

We also wish to present various and diverse opinions, research, and forward-looking papers that help retool and support the growth and professionalization of emergency management.

The finished issue may be considered a road map for the future of emergency management. We hope that policymakers will utilize this special issue to retool the field.

We are seeking 3500-4500-word papers. Papers will go through a modified review process in an effort to share many papers on this timely topic. As they complete peer review, they will be published on the JEM website under the special issue.

 Instruction to Authors

1. All papers must conform to the JEM manuscript guidelines located here.
2. All papers should include in their cover letter to the Editor in Chief the following:
   1. Response to the Special Issue on The Future of Emergency Management
   2. The chosen topic area ie, Policy Considerations, etc. If you are responding to the call, be very specific in your cover letter how your manuscript addresses the subtopic and/or specific research question listed in the call.
   3. During manuscript submission, please ensure you select “The Future of Emergency Management” as the section/special issue.
3. All papers are to be non-political. Papers that are considered political or include personal attacks will be rejected as outside the scope of this special issue.
4. Papers need to be cited with existing research, direct quotes, etc. The Journal of Emergency Management has over 1200 peer-reviewed papers on virtually any topic in EM on its website. You can search here. Citation tools are available on the article pages along with references for that article.
5. Papers will go through a blinded peer review, including, when needed, the addition of an existing emergency manager from the field. If you want to participate, please email us at jem@pnpco.com with the subject line "The Future of Emergency Management Reviewer.” Include in the email your current resume or CV and a brief note stating your desire to be part of the reviewer pool.
6. Accepted authors will have the opportunity to record a 10-30 minute video presentation to expand on their paper. The video should be 10-30 slides based on the content in your paper. Additional information can be found on the website concerning the video submission process. The video submission is not a requirement for publication.
7. The initial deadline for papers is December 15th, 2025, and then ongoing in 2026. Papers will be peer-reviewed as received and published in the online version before print. Print subscribers, please contact us for access instructions.

  The Journal of Emergency Management Editorial Review Board invites the following partial list of topics for submission:

Overarching topics in emergency management

What is Emergency Management? Should the field of Emergency Management be more multidisciplinary in nature focused on a team based approach to decision making?
Is this the time to dramatically redefine what emergency management is and does?

Re-envisioning FEMA: Mission, funding, response metrics, and other aspects
FEMA is the cornerstone of federal disaster response. Any redefinition of its mission, scope, or funding directly impacts national preparedness and resilience.

What parts of planning or response can only be done at the federal level?
Clarifying federal-only capabilities is key for efficiency, avoiding duplication, and focusing state and local resources on complementary areas.

How can the federal government build local capabilities with its reduced workforce?
Federal-to-local support is essential as local jurisdictions often have the fewest resources but face the greatest immediate impact during disasters. How can the federal government assist building local capabilities?

State versus federal response capabilities and capacities
This foundational question shapes the structure of American emergency response, especially in federalist systems. Who owns responsibility with a retooled FEMA?

EMAC and the future of pooled state responses
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is central to resource sharing. Modernizing it could significantly enhance interstate resilience.

Assessments of states’ capabilities
Without reliable assessments, it's impossible to allocate resources strategically or identify capability gaps.

Expanding states’ capabilities and capacities to plan and respond to disasters
Building from the previous point, this focuses on implementation. More capable states mean less dependence on overwhelmed federal resources.

Enhanced use, capabilities, and capacities for the National Guard
The National Guard often fills the gap between local and federal responses. How do you evolve the role to include modern threats (eg, cyber, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response)?

What role does Public Health Emergency Preparedness have or play?
How do you bring together often disparate organizations with different core missions?

Where does FEMA's preparedness work land in the future?
With responses often prioritized, preparedness can become neglected—yet it is more cost-effective and life-saving in the long term. At what agency should the preparedness work end up? 

Should the All-Hazards approach be abandoned?
A profound doctrinal question. The all-hazards model has been foundational but is increasingly questioned due to climate change, cyber threats, and pandemics.  What assumptions should be made about the all-hazards approach?  Should the approach be changed - if so, how?

How do you retool funding for the disaster sciences? Should EM use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) model?
Disaster science is underfunded. Adopting a structured research model like NIH could significantly advance the field.

How do you recruit top emergency managers after the dismantling of FEMA?
With many skilled professionals exiting government, strategic recruitment is needed to ensure competence and innovation.  What would the “updated” emergency manager look like, and what is his relationship to the employer, the community, the state, etc?

Licensing of emergency management professionals and Continuing Education requirements
Licensing as part of professionalizing the field could raise standards, but may also create barriers if not carefully managed.   What standards should be raised and what are potential consequences of those changes?

 

Climate adaptation in emergency management and the skills of the emergency manager
As disasters increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change, Must EM shift toward climate-informed planning and risk reduction?

Cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience
Critical infrastructure (eg, power grids, hospitals) is increasingly at risk from cyberattacks. Integration of cybersecurity into EM is no longer optional.  What do you believe should be done and what are their priorities?

Public-private partnerships in emergency management
Businesses own much of the nation's critical infrastructure. Effective EM requires better coordination with the private sector.  How can Public-Private EM Partnership be handled?  What role does the National government play?  What role do States Play?  What sort of alliances can be formed to help make EM more effective nationally and state wide?

Equity and inclusion in disaster response and recovery
Disasters disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Equity must be central to planning, response, and recovery frameworks.  What is the best/optimal way to balance  EM equity and inclusion ?

Organizational Frameworks

What theoretical frameworks can be applied to a retooled FEMA organization?
Identifying core organizational theories (eg, systems theory, resilience theory, network governance) can guide structural redesign and cultural reform at FEMA.  What would be the updated mission and vision of a re-tooled FEMA?

How can those theoretical frameworks be applied to support the mission, FEMA's employees and to improve planning and response?
How can operationalizing theory into practice ensure that abstract models actually enhance day-to-day emergency management effectiveness?

What validation and verification models can be applied to ensure maximum effectiveness, efficiency, and fairness in planning and response?
What is the efficacy of the evaluation models, such as Lean Six Sigma, ISO, or logic models?   What measures can be incorporated to help FEMA measure and continuously improve performance and equity?

How can FEMA embrace adaptive learning as a core organizational behavior?
Embedding feedback loops and real-time learning processes ensures FEMA evolves based on after-action reports, data analytics, and changing threats.  How can the new FEMA embrace adaptive learning?

What is the role of decentralized versus centralized decision-making in FEMA's operational structure?
What is needed to balance autonomy with command-and-control affects speed, flexibility, and alignment across FEMA’s national and regional offices?

How can inter-organizational networks be optimized for emergency management (eg, federal-state-local partnerships)?
Network theory helps structure relationships among agencies to minimize redundancy and optimize shared resources and decision-making.  How can inter-organizational networks be formed to create an optimal and flexible relationship/partnership? 

What leadership models best support mission-driven transformation in high-stress, high-accountability environments like FEMA?
Transformational and servant leadership models are especially useful for driving cultural change and resilience in crisis-prone settings.  How can these models be used?  Are there other models that can be used?

How can FEMA implement inclusive governance frameworks that enhance community trust and stakeholder engagement?
Participatory governance approaches help build legitimacy and improve outcomes, particularly in underserved or marginalized communities. What could FEMA do to help enhance community trust, stakeholder engagement, and a flexible framework?

Organizational Development

How do you attract top talent back to the field?
Rebuilding credibility, competitive compensation, and a mission-driven culture are essential to restore EM as a destination for high-impact professionals.  What is needed to attract top talent?

How do you professionalize the emergency management workforce across agencies?
Standardizing qualifications, competencies, and career ladders can elevate the field’s credibility and attract long-term talent.  What will be the standard of care for professional emergency managers and their staff?

What organizational cultures best support high performance under pressure?
Cultures that reward collaboration, learning, and psychological safety help EM teams thrive during high-stakes, fast-paced operations. What cultural norms and mores work best for what type of emergency response?

How can FEMA and state agencies improve employee retention and morale?
Addressing burnout, promoting work-life balance, and recognizing contributions are critical for sustaining workforce resilience.  What should be embedded within each organization to help preserve and grow employee retention?

How do you develop future emergency management leaders from within?
Succession planning, rotational assignments, and leadership academies can build a deep bench of capable, adaptable leaders.  What will be the possible growth paths?

What role does diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) play in organizational resilience?
Diverse teams make better decisions and foster stronger connections with affected communities during crisis response. D- Diversity of capabilities in planning and response, E- Equity of benefits of planning and response to various populations and subgroups, I-Inclusion including unserved, underserved and insular communities in the planning and response, A-Accessibility - How to be efficient in managing special populations and facilities, eg, elderly, physically challenged, homeless, mental health populations, etc.  What value does a DEIA approach bring to an organization?   What resistance does DEIA encounter, and how can EM overcome it?

How can FEMA institutionalize organizational learning from disasters and near misses?
Creating structured learning systems (eg, lessons-learned repositories, after-action learning cycles) helps organizations evolve.  How can those “lessons” be easily obtained by readers proactively?

How do you modernize emergency management job roles to match today’s threats (eg, cyber, climate, AI)?
What and how does updating job descriptions and competencies ensure FEMA and partners stay relevant in a rapidly evolving threat landscape?

What change management strategies support major agency transformation?
Kotter’s model, ADKAR, and other frameworks can guide FEMA through resistance, uncertainty, and realignment phases.  What other models can be used and how will they support the transformations?

How do you integrate human capital analytics to guide organizational development decisions?
What data should be used to help an organization understand its hiring, turnover, engagement, and performance practices and allow evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes?

Leadership

What are the right types of leadership styles at the state and federal levels?
Identifying context-appropriate leadership styles (eg, transformational vs. transactional) is critical for navigating complex intergovernmental coordination. What leadership styles work best at what level?  

What are the future challenges that leadership will have to face?
Emergency management continues to have to explain its identity, rebuild itself, redefine itself, and its capabilities compared to other organizations like the   CDC and PHEP.  What are future challenges?

How do leadership styles influence operational effectiveness in disaster response?
Adaptive, servant, and crisis leadership styles can directly shape the speed, clarity, and empathy of emergency operations. What leadership styles work in which situations?

How should FEMA cultivate leaders (or lobbyists) who can navigate political and bureaucratic landscapes?
FEMA leaders must balance technical expertise with political acumen to manage stakeholders across all levels of government.  What type of leaders are needed in what situations?

What are the characteristics of successful incident leaders versus strategic agency heads?
Incident leadership requires fast decision-making and tactical clarity, while strategic leadership demands vision-setting and long-term alignment.  What are the characteristics of each in which situation?

How can FEMA train leaders to manage uncertainty and cascading failures?
What do leaders need in the way of scenario-based training and decision science tools to prepare for multi-hazard, high-ambiguity environments?

What role does emotional intelligence play in disaster leadership?
How do you perceive empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills to maintain vital trust and cohesion among staff and communities during crises?

How can leadership development be embedded into FEMA's organizational culture?
Creating pathways for leadership growth through mentorship, cross-functional teams, and formal education builds institutional resilience.  How can FEMA better embed Leadership Development into its culture?

How do you decentralize leadership without sacrificing coherence?
Empowering regional and field leaders while maintaining mission unity requires a shared leadership framework and robust communication channels.  How would you describe what needs to be in place to create an optimal situation?

What are the risks of leadership burnout, and how can FEMA mitigate them?
Constant crisis exposure can drain leaders; rotational relief, peer support, and wellness programs are essential safeguards.  What do you believe needs to be done, and what assistance is needed from where?

How do you assess and measure leadership effectiveness in emergency management?
What leadership metrics should blend qualitative (team trust, morale) and quantitative (response time, error reduction) indicators?

Workforce Development

Core competencies for the 21st-century emergency manager and evolving professionalization of the field
Establishing standardized, future-ready competencies is foundational to workforce alignment across all levels of government. What core competencies need to be evolved or developed?

What competencies are required for the workforce?
A skills-based taxonomy is needed to guide hiring, training, and advancement for the modern EM professional.  What do you perceive as the foundations of a workforce taxonomy?

Confronting mounting 21st-century crises and the expanding role of the emergency manager
Emergency managers must now engage in issues like homelessness, addiction, and climate impacts, far beyond traditional disaster response.  What roles do you think will be expanded, and how can they be developed? 

How to retool the FEMA workforce for the 21st century
FEMA must modernize its workforce by integrating tech skills, adaptive leadership, and interagency coordination expertise.  What knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors need to evolve within the workforce?

How do you retool the state’s EM workforce for the 21st century?
States need to scale capacity and attract talent with new incentives, localized training, and hybrid skills development. What skills and capabilities need to be re-tooled or scaled?

Should FEMA be in the education business?
Clarifying FEMA’s role in academic and professional development is needed to align national training efforts while avoiding mission drift.

National licensure?
Licensing emergency managers nationally could raise standards, but may risk excluding under-resourced jurisdictions or creating bureaucratic hurdles. How do you balance experience, higher education, and other factors to bring all qualified EMs through licensure?

Can NDEMU meet the needs of the 21st-century emergency manager?
The National Domestic Emergency Management University (NDEMU) concept needs to be flexible to ensure relevance, utility, and sustainability in the 21st century.

How can local and county EM offices compete for top talent with limited resources?
Addressing compensation, remote work options, and flexible roles is key to attracting skilled professionals to underfunded jurisdictions. What needs to be done to ensure attracting top talent?

 Should workforce development programs integrate emerging threats like AI, cybercrime, and misinformation?
EM training must incorporate rapidly evolving tech threats to keep the workforce ahead of adversaries and hazards. What should EMs gain a greater understanding of the issues?  How can they stay relevant?

What role do community colleges and vocational training play in building the local EM talent pipeline?
Local institutions are essential for cultivating homegrown EM talent, especially in underserved areas. How should they market themselves, or what do they need to do to create a better pipeline?

How do we ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in workforce development?
A representative workforce is better equipped to serve diverse communities and foster public trust during disasters. D- Diversity of capabilities in planning and response, E- Equity of benefits of planning and response to various populations and subgroups, I-Inclusion including unserved, underserved and insular communities in the planning and response, A-Accessibility - How to be efficient in managing special populations and facilities, eg, elderly, physically challenged, homeless, mental health populations,  etc.

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of EM workforce development programs at each level of government?
Building a performance evaluation framework ensures accountability and continuous improvement across EM training ecosystems.  What should be considered as performance metrics?

Policy Implications

 Does the Stafford Act survive intact?
Evaluating the viability of the cornerstone federal disaster law is essential before proposing reforms.  What factors should be considered to ensure an optimal act?

What changes must be made to the Stafford Act to improve local planning and response capabilities?
Modifying this act directly impacts how effectively states and localities prepare and respond.  What are the key legislative changes/factors that need to be considered to improve local planning efforts and fundamental response capabilities?

What legal statutes need to be retooled at the state level to enhance planning and response?
State laws are the frontline framework for emergency authority and operational flexibility. How can they be quickly adapted to meet the enhanced needs at the state level? What framework statutes are available to accelerate the process?

How to depoliticize the emergency manager to become the long-term institutional repository of planning and response.
Ensuring continuity of expertise through political cycles is critical to sustained readiness.  How do you suggest or propose taking politics out of the EM position?

Should disaster declarations and federal funding thresholds be recalibrated to reflect equity and vulnerability, not just dollar loss?
What standards can be created to address fairness and to ensure directing resources where they are most needed, while also meeting the needs of the wealthier areas?

What role should FEMA play in enforcing minimum planning standards across states and localities?
National consistency in preparedness could reduce gaps in capability and improve mutual aid effectiveness.  What consistent standards can be employed across the states and their localities? 

Can a unified federal-state-local resilience framework be created to align climate adaptation and disaster response policy?
Integrating mitigation and response policy is key for long-term community resilience. What framework and associated policies can be designed to align with climate adaptation and disaster response?

What are the privacy and data-sharing implications of expanding real-time surveillance and AI tools for disaster prediction and response?
What should be taken into consideration when balancing innovation with civil liberties as technology use grows in EM? 

How can mutual aid and EMAC agreements be updated to include emerging risks and cross-sector partnerships (eg, health, cyber, utilities)?
Updating these agreements addresses evolving threat landscapes and resource needs.  What are key agreements, and how does a community identify and consider who does what in a cross-sector partnership?

Should there be federal oversight or certification of state and local emergency operations plans (EOPs)?
A formal review process could improve planning quality, but it may face political resistance. What sort of oversight or certification system can be developed to ensure an effective, fair, and non-political system? 

What is the role of Congress in long-term EM policy reform beyond disaster appropriations?
Legislative engagement needs to shift toward strategic, preventive policies.  How does one work with Congress to shift from a short-term disaster response system to a long-term strategic approach?

How can federal policy incentivize permanent EM staffing rather than the current reliance on contractors and short-term hires?
Workforce stability is fundamental but often overlooked in funding and reform debates. What is the advantage of the feds incentivizing permanent EM staffing?  What is the advantage of permanent staffing vs short-term hires and contractors? 

Funding Implications

 

How do you improve states’ funding to respond to a disaster?
Enhancing funding mechanisms ensures states have timely, adequate resources for rapid and effective disaster response.  What can be done to help enhance the funding and ensure long-term buy-in?

Who is the insurer of first and last resort?
What roles need to be clarified between the government and private insurers to manage risk while minimizing taxpayer exposure?

Does NFIP survive in its current form?
The National Flood Insurance Program’s sustainability and affordability are central to long-term flood risk management. What needs to be considered by NFIP to ensure flood protection?

How can states pool response dollars for regional disasters?
Regional funding pools enable cooperative, flexible financial responses for disasters crossing state lines.  What criteria can be developed to enable response dollar sharing?

What role should federal funding play in mitigation versus response and recovery?
What investments could be prioritized for mitigation that can reduce long-term disaster costs and improve resilience?

How can federal funding be streamlined to reduce bureaucratic delays at the state and local levels?
Simplifying application and reimbursement processes accelerates aid delivery and response efficiency.  What type of streamlined system can be developed to ensure a more rapid response?

Should disaster funding include allocations for emerging threats such as cyber incidents and climate-driven disasters?
Expanding funding eligibility prepares governments for non-traditional and evolving hazards.  What additional future events need to be incorporated and considered?  How should communities, states, regions, and the Feds designate current and future potentially threatening events?  Who should be responsible for an ongoing landscape analysis and reporting system?

What mechanisms can incentivize private sector investment in community resilience?
Public-private partnerships and tax incentives could mobilize capital for mitigation and preparedness.  Who should be rewarded, and what mechanisms can be used to identify potential incentivized activities?

How should funding formulas be adjusted to ensure equity for underserved and vulnerable communities?
Equitable funding addresses disparities in disaster impacts and recovery capacity. D- Diversity of capabilities in planning and response, E- Equity of benefits of planning and response to various populations and subgroups, I-Inclusion including unserved, underserved and insular communities in the planning and response, A-Accessibility - How to be efficient in managing special populations and facilities, eg, elderly, physically challenged, homeless, mental health populations,  etc.?

Can innovative financing tools like catastrophe bonds and resilience bonds be better integrated into public disaster funding?
Leveraging market-based instruments can diversify and expand funding sources.  What sort of innovative financing tools can be created to help finance catastrophes and resilience bonds? 

What accountability and transparency measures should accompany disaster funding?
Strong oversight ensures funds are used effectively and builds public trust.  What type of group or agency can be developed to review disaster-funded responses?

How can states and localities better plan for long-term recovery funding beyond immediate disaster response?
Establishing dedicated funds or financing strategies supports sustainable rebuilding. What needs to be considered for long-term recovery responses? What about Massachusetts' recent disaster fund? Does it work long-term or in other states?

What role should community-driven planning play in influencing disaster funding priorities?
Incorporating local input can align funding with actual needs and vulnerabilities.  How does a community assess factors for response and planning funding? 

Operations Management

 

How to enhance the ESFs at the local levels for larger disaster responses
Strengthening Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) locally improves coordination, resource allocation, and effectiveness during major incidents. What sort of activities can be developed and implemented to assist communities in developing their ESFs?

How to improve interoperability and communication across federal, state, and local agencies during disasters
Seamless communication is essential for real-time situational awareness and coordinated multi-jurisdictional response. What model can be created or improved upon to significantly enhance interoperability communications?

What are the best practices for integrating volunteer and nonprofit organizations into official disaster operations?
Effective integration maximizes community resources and supports surge capacity during emergencies.  How does one identify and engage with their volunteer and nonprofit organizations that would assist in disaster operations?

How can logistics and supply chain management be optimized in complex disaster scenarios?
Efficient logistics ensure the timely delivery of critical supplies and reduce bottlenecks.  What are the common barriers to logistics and supply chain management in complex disaster scenarios, and what can be done to minimize challenges?

What role can technology and data analytics play in operational decision-making during disaster response?
Leveraging modern tech improves predictive capabilities, resource deployment, and after-action reviews. What technologies can be used to enhance operational decision making before, during and after a disaster?

How can multi-agency incident command structures be managed to reduce duplication and conflict?
Clear command hierarchies and coordination protocols are vital to a unified and effective response.  What agreements can be explored beyond current concepts to make the emergency response more effective and efficient?  What pre-agreements can be made to reduce duplication and conflict?

How can equity considerations be incorporated into operational planning and resource distribution?
Ensuring vulnerable populations receive adequate support is key to just and effective disaster response. How can decision makers ensure equity in their operational planning and distribution processes?

What training and exercises best prepare operational leaders and responders for large-scale, multi-hazard disasters?
Realistic, scenario-based training builds competence and confidence across all response levels.  What sort of realistic or scenario-based training best prepares operational leaders for long-scale multi-hazard disasters?

How can federal grant management processes be streamlined to support operational readiness at the local level?
Simplifying grant administration ensures funds are efficiently used for operational capabilities.  What needs to be done to simplify the federal grant management process?

How can cross-sector partnerships (private sector, utilities, health systems) be leveraged in operational response?
Collaborations expand resources and expertise critical to comprehensive disaster management.  What does a community, local government and the emergency manager need to do/know to ensure leveraged cross-sector partnerships? 

Higher Education and Professional Development

Do the "Principles of Emergency Management" survive and stand the test of time?
Evaluating whether foundational EM principles remain relevant amid evolving threats and technologies.  What are the principles of emergency management, and how can they be reviewed for relevance and meeting needs?

Emergency management as an academic field—Research methods and skills in the era of big data and AI
What developing advanced analytical and methodological competencies to leverage emerging data-driven tools needs to be evolved?

Education and training for federal, state, and local emergency management and   NGO emergency management work
What curricula and programs need to be developed to enhance the diverse agency needs and operational contexts?

Certificates, AS, BS, MS, or PhD—what do I need to succeed in the field?
What educational paths need to be clarified to improve educational pathways, and what credentials need to align with career goals and job market demands?

Exploration of the apprenticeship or practicum approach to augment emergency manager education
Integrating hands-on experience through apprenticeships enhances learning and professional readiness.  What can be done to enhance and augment the EM education both academically and through continuing education?

The key to securing a meaningful internship and/or job placement in the emergency management field
Identifying strategies and resources to bridge education and career entry effectively.  What programs and opportunities can be used to help those interested in the many aspects of EM?

Leadership among emergency management professionals; assessing effective leadership up and down the chain of command; learned versus natural leadership skills and their roles in the organization, building good organizational cultures
Understanding leadership dynamics is essential for operational and strategic success. What tools can be developed to help define and develop EM professionals?

Making the transition from the fire services or law enforcement to emergency management
Addressing the challenges and opportunities for professionals shifting into EM from related fields.  How do we transition these folks into a still-evolving field? 

Opportunities and challenges in building synergy between academic and practitioner stakeholders
Enhancing collaboration to ensure research translates into actionable practice and policy.  What is in it for academics and practitioners to build a synergy for those interested in EM?

How can emergency management programs incorporate ethical decision-making and cultural competency?
Preparing students to navigate complex moral dilemmas and serve diverse populations effectively.  What can be presented to EM programs to help develop stronger ethical decision-making and cultural competencies?

What role do online and hybrid-learning models play in expanding access to EM education?
Leveraging digital platforms to reach working professionals and underserved regions. What hybrid and/or live courses can be developed to help learners grow?  How can the materials be accepted and shared between institutions?

How can the effectiveness and outcomes of EM educational programs and professional development be measured?
Developing metrics to ensure programs meet workforce and community needs. What outcomes and metrics can be developed to help assure effective EM professionals?

Strategies for continuous professional development and lifelong learning in emergency management
Supporting ongoing skills growth amid rapidly changing threats and technologies.  What are the needs of EM practitioners regarding professional development and lifelong learning?

How can mentorship programs be designed to support emerging EM professionals?
Building structured guidance networks to facilitate career advancement and knowledge transfer.  What type of mentorship and internship programs can be developed to help facilitate career advancement and knowledge transfer?

The role of simulation and experiential learning in higher education for emergency management
What types of simulations can be developed and implemented, using realistic exercises to enhance critical thinking, decision-making, and operational skills?

How can policy, management, and operational training be integrated within EM academic curricula?
Creating well-rounded programs that prepare students for multifaceted EM roles. What today and in the future do you believe will help evolve EM professionals?

End of Call for Papers List of Topics!

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