| 20 Feb 2026
Doctoral Task Forces on High Impact Natural Hazard Events
Abstract. Around the globe, disasters are becoming more frequent and more damaging. Therefore, forensic disaster analysis is needed that creates a deep and comprehensive understanding of a recent event and its root causes to inform disaster risk reduction. As part of their qualification within a research training group, PhD candidates at the University of Potsdam formed Task Forces to investigate recent damaging events. Based on eleven semi-structured interviews, two informal interviews and Task Force outputs, this study evaluates past Task Forces with regards to their implementation into structured doctoral training, their contribution to researcher development and to transferring insights both to the academic community and to non-academics. We find that Task Forces in doctoral training programs serve a dual purpose in providing problem-based and experiential learning opportunities for doctoral researchers and at the same time providing the flexible, high-level investigative capacity needed for immediate post-event analysis. For future Task Forces, we recommend forming interdisciplinary teams, aligning the Task Force with the PhD topic and methods and providing targeted support in the initial phase to enable near-real time analysis.
Competing interests: Author Annegret Thieken was one of the interviewees in this study. To ensure the integrity and objectivity of the research, the data analysis and coding were carried out independently by Karen Lebek. Annegret Thieken provided intellectual input and editorial revisions after the primary analysis was completed.
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General Comments
The manuscript explores an innovative pedagogical and operational model: the integration of multidisciplinary rapid task forces within structured doctoral programs, to conduct forensic disaster analysis. The study is interesting, as it is clear as natural hazards demands agile scientific responses. The manuscript successfully evaluates the dual benefit of these task forces: enhancing the professional development of PhD candidates and providing rapid, high-level scientific insights for disaster risk reduction.
The paper is well-structured, the language is clear, and the qualitative approach (interviews and output analysis) is appropriate for the research questions posed. The topic fits perfectly within the scope of the journal, bridging the gap between disaster science, education, and social impact.
Specific Comments
Minor reviews
Recommendation
The manuscript provides a valuable contribution to the field of disaster research and higher education. It addresses a real-world problem with a practical, tested solution. The suggestions above are intended to strengthen the critical reflection and the practical utility of the findings.
Decision: Minor Revision