Dictionary definitions hint that professors are first and foremost teachers. However, we, academics, often take teaching for granted or a required ‘sideline’ to pursue a passion in research. This inaugural lecture will offer a plea for recentring teaching in our academic careers and in professorship in particular. As a case of example, it will focus on how to foster student’s participation in learning as a rewarding experience for not only teaching but also research and service to our disciplines and broader society.

JC Gaillard is Professor of Geography at The University of Auckland. He trained as a geographer with particular interest in disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Asia and the Pacific. His work focuses on inclusion and power in DRR. It includes developing participatory tools for engaging minority groups in disaster risk reduction with an emphasis on ethnic and gender minorities, prisoners, children and homeless people.

JC collaborates in participatory DRR trainings with local governments, NGOs and other civil society organisations.

Refreshments will be served in the basement foyer of building 303 (303-B00L2) from 5:30pm, prior to the lecture.