It is the hope of the National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster (NRIFD) that we can be considered as useful professionals during emergencies for firefighters who protect the citizens of Japan from fires and disasters.This is because NRIFD is entrusted with a wide range of missions in our role as a comprehensive research institute studying fires and disasters, and we believe that our most important mission is to provide support from a scientific and technological viewpoint for firefighters who take a stand against disasters.

However, maintaining usefulness at times of emergency is not an easy thing for an organization with a limited workforce.When controlling fire and disaster in particular, what is required is not just simple knowledge but a deeper sense of knowledge and understanding based on experience.In a disaster response “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” .

In order for us as professionals to respond immediately to disasters, starting the related research after the disaster will be too late.It is imperative that we accumulate sufficient knowledge beforehand to ensure that we are ready to meet all eventualities.Tactically selecting topics for research is indispensable in order to prepare ourselves fully for situations that may occur in the future.

We believe that we must be equipped with “insight” to foresee the future of disasters, with “flexibility” to make any necessary modifications to present plans according to disaster occurrence, and with “continuity” to carry out basic research through steadfast efforts instead of just trying to meet immediate needs.

Having experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck on March 11, 2011, we are re-examining how “research and development of science and technology” can best contribute to the role of firefighters in “protecting the lives, bodies and property of our citizens from fire and disaster.”

With this awareness in mind, we would like to continue contributing to the creation of a safe and secure society.