Established in 2022, Y-EMERGE is a pan-university research institute at York University focusing on science, technology, and human and social aspects of disaster and emergency management. It brings together researchers from several faculties with common interests in disaster and emergency management-related research to enhance people's safety and security.
Y-EMERGE will build on York’s exceptional expertise to develop, grow, and sustain transformative and multidisciplinary research and teaching in transformative disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
Y-EMERGE DIRECTOR
Y-EMERGE is created to leverage and further York University’s institutional capacity and its globally collaborative network to develop and coordinate transformative and integrative research; foster strong networks of researchers, trainees, and practitioners; develop a robust agenda for funding research and practice; and advance disaster and emergency knowledge translation activities to meet the urgent need to transform thinking, policy, and practice in disaster and emergencies for a more resilient and healthy communities in Canada and globally.
Professor Jianhong Wu
Director of Y-EMERGE
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
Important Links
- Y-EMERGE publication platform-CJEM
- About Canadian Journal of Emergency Management (CJEM)
- Y-EMERGE Monthly Newsletter
- PhD Program in Disaster & Emergency Management
- Research Services Office
- Job Opportunities in Research
- Grants & Applications
- Research Ethics
Our Mission
Transformative & Interdisciplinary
Y-EMERGE will transform the way societies understand, conceptualize, analyze, manage, and govern crises, disasters, and emergencies. YEMERGE will foster interdisciplinary collaborations & real-world and need-driven research.
Partnership & Community Engagement
Y-EMERGE will transform the way societies understand, conceptualize, analyze, manage, and govern crises, disasters, and emergencies. YEMERGE will foster interdisciplinary collaborations & real-world and need-driven research.
Knowledge Mobilization & Mentoring
Y-EMERGE will transform the way societies understand, conceptualize, analyze, manage, and govern crises, disasters, and emergencies. YEMERGE will foster interdisciplinary collaborations & real-world and need-driven research.
On April 14, 2025
Professor Hassan Qudrat-Ullah was featured in YFile, discussing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and systems thinking in decision-making. He highlighted that while AI excels at identifying patterns, it must be integrated with a systems perspective to address today’s complex global challenges effectively. His work, including four books published in 2025 such as Navigating Complexity. Read More
On March 28, 2025
Professor Stephen Gaetz was featured in YFile, discussing the shift from crisis response to prevention in addressing youth homelessness. He highlighted that while traditional approaches relied heavily on emergency shelters and crisis support, they failed to solve the root causes of homelessness. Key initiatives like the Making the Shift partnership have introduced policy innovations and pilot programs that reframe how we address homelessness. Read More
On March 11, 2025
Dr. Maleknaz Nayebi was featured in Mirage News, discussing her role in UNITAR’s Future-Proofing Airport Development workshop. The event, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, brought together aviation leaders to explore AI, cybersecurity, and technological innovations in air transport. A key outcome was signing a Sister Airports Partnership Agreement between Atlanta International Airport and CEPA, aiming to enhance connectivity and collaboration between North and Latin America. Read more
On March 11, 2025
Professor Aaida Mamuji was featured in CBC News, discussing From Distanced to Connected: COVID-19 Five-Years On, a York University exhibit showcasing pandemic experiences.
The exhibit featured 46 photos capturing lockdowns, PPE, and resilience. Dr. Mamuji described it as a “walk back in time” to reflect on challenges and progress. Read More
On March 10, 2025
Professor Yvonne Su was featured in NetNewsLedger, discussing tokenism in academia. She highlighted how superficial diversity efforts often fail to address systemic barriers, emphasizing the need for meaningful inclusion and equity-driven change within academic institutions. Dr. Su emphasizes that true inclusion requires addressing deep-seated institutional inequalities, moving beyond mere optics to foster genuine transformation within academic environments. Read more
On March 7, 2025
Professor Eric B. Kennedy was featured in Excalibur, discussing the escalating threat of wildfires across Canada. He emphasized that while wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, they are intensifying due to climate change, human activities, and fuel aridity. In the article, Dr. Kennedy highlights the urgent need for government policies and community-driven efforts to reduce ignition sources and adapt to the changing wildfire landscape. Read More