independent scientist board
Dr. M. Monirul Qader Mirza serves as an Adjunct Professor and Graduate Faculty Member in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where he brings a wealth of expertise as a distinguished environmental scientist specializing in climate change adaptation and water resources management. With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Mirza has made substantial contributions to research, policy formulation, and educational initiatives in these critical fields, positioning himself as a leading voice in the global discourse on environmental sustainability. His work is internationally recognized for its profound impact on sustainable development practices and resilience-building strategies that address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. As an esteemed member of Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, Dr. Mirza has played a pivotal role as a Coordinating Lead Author, influencing climate policy and action at the highest levels. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he is currently designated as the Independent Climate Scientist at the Center for People and Environment (CPE) and serves as the Chief Advisor of the South Asian Research HUB, where he continues to advocate for innovative solutions and collaborative approaches to enhance climate resilience in the region. Through his multifaceted roles, Dr. Mirza remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and practices that empower communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions while fostering sustainable resource management.
Dr. Mahmudul Islam is an International Expert in Disaster and Climate Risk Governance with a robust academic background, including a Master’s degree in Agricultural Science from Bangladesh, a PhD from Universiti Putra Malaysia, and a Post-Doctoral degree from Japan. His research has focused on agricultural environmental issues, resource utilization, and environmental pollution reduction. With over 21 years of experience in various capacities within UN organizations, Dr. Islam specializes in disaster risk governance, emergency management, and community resilience. He currently serves as the CEO of the Centre for Disaster Management Education, Research, and Training (DMERT) and as a Technical Adviser for the BSAFE Foundation on food safety initiatives. His recent international assignment in South Sudan involved providing technical support to the IOM on enhancing community resilience and local governance. Dr. Islam has led strategic planning, program development, and institutional capacity-building initiatives, particularly in disaster risk reduction tailored to local needs. He is proficient in developing policies, action plans, and project proposals, and has strong skills in stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches. His contributions include key roles in developing the National Disaster Management Plan for Bangladesh (2010-2015) and programming frameworks for Food Security in Ethiopia and community development programs in Eritrea. Dr. Islam’s expertise and leadership make him a valuable asset in addressing global and regional challenges in disaster management and climate resilience. He is Currently Designated as the Independent Disaster Scientist of Center for Pople and Environ (CPE).