Computational simulation provides an inexpensive and time efficient means of carrying out what-if scenarios and studies into alternative strategies for a given situation. Furthermore, it enables investigations and predictions into how the complex dynamics of a real-world system are likely to be affected by changes to internal and/or external factors. Over the past two decades, the development and application of computational simulation models has been seen at a rapidly increasing rate in a wide range of domains. Crisis and Disaster Management (CDM) is one domain in which this has been witnessed, driven by the significant increase in the number of large-scale and unprecedented emergency situations, and the need to better manage them and lessen their impact. These include areas such as pandemics, forest fires, floods, fatal industrial injuries, and wide-scale population movements (e.g., refugees).

Computational simulation of natural and man-made crises and disasters offers opportunities to bring together stakeholders, including academics and practitioners from a variety of backgrounds, in the design and implementation of realistic models applicable to the various stages of the emergency management life cycle (preparation, response, mitigation and recovery). Such collaborative efforts have delivered great benefits via sophisticated computational simulation models. Indeed, these models have improved trustworthiness, usefulness, usability, and validity. Their application has seen a growing acceptance and relevance, thus leveraging their results to make a practical difference. Consequently, the simulation results produced can contribute to providing a sound basis for ‘better’ decisions regarding how to manage crises and disasters.

The goal of this special issue is to cover the breadth and depth of computer simulation for crisis response and management. Papers should address topical and real-world problems (e.g., pandemics, humanitarian crises, natural and man-made disasters) and should highlight the use of computer simulation for crisis situations. We welcome manuscripts that contribute to the questions of interest in the form of novel research methodologies, applications, reviews, or case studies. Papers should be up to a maximum of 15 pages (including references) and detail completed research, i.e. not work in progress.

More information at https://journals.sagepub.com/page/sim/simulation%20for%20crisis%20and%20disaster%20management?pbEditor=false

Manuscripts should be prepared and submitted online at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/simulation

Please note in your online cover letter that the paper is submitted for the special issue of Simulation for Crisis and Disaster Management.

Note: Manuscripts may have been previously published. However, submission to the special issue requires at least 30% new material, preferably in the area of methodology, results, and/or experiments. Each submitted manuscript must include title, names, authors’ affiliations, postal and email addresses, and a list of keywords. For multiple author submission, please identify the corresponding author.

Submission Deadline

October 31st, 2022

Guest Editors

Graham Coates, Newcastle University, UK

Julie Dugdale, University Grenoble Alps, France

Chihab Hanachi, University Toulouse 1 Capitole, France