Responsible Use of Generative AI in Disaster Management

Project Overview

Disasters affect increasing numbers of vulnerable people who require assistance under uncertain conditions. Managing dynamic environments with limited resources and unreliable information is challenging for humanitarian organisations. Generative AI (GenAI) can process large volumes of data and create novel content, offering potential to transform disaster management through applications such as situation analysis, social media integration, drone data, and support tools like chatbots and transcription services. However, current AI applications face issues with data privacy, transparency, ethical concerns, response accuracy, and context sensitivity.

This project seeks to analyse organisational adoption of GenAI in disaster management to define a responsible implementation framework. It will examine readiness, identify operational practices to mitigate risks like shadow AI, and promote successful deployment.

What You Will Do

The first year focuses on a literature review and completing Research Methods courses. From the second year, you will begin data collection and analysis related to GenAI adoption in disaster organizations. The final four months involve writing and submitting your dissertation. The project will also support conference presentations and journal publications.

Expected Outcomes

• A mapping of various GenAI tools and their suitability for disaster response activities.
• A validated framework outlining key requirements for responsible GenAI implementation in this context.
• A validated self-assessment questionnaire for use by disaster management organisations considering GenAI adoption.

Why This Matters

This research addresses a critical gap by exploring how AI technologies can be responsibly integrated into disaster response, balancing innovation with ethical and operational challenges. Successful adoption can improve humanitarian decision-making, resource allocation, and assistance delivery under crisis conditions, ultimately reducing suffering and saving lives.