On March 28, 2024, Professor Chiung-Wen Hsu from the Department of Radio & Television of National Chengchi University presented a keynote lecture titled "The Last Mile in Disaster Prevention? An Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research and Practice in Disaster and Communication."
Professor Hsu holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo and has a distinguished background including serving as a news writer for China Television and as a visiting research professor at Kyoto University. Her research fields include journalism and trauma, disaster communication, and interdisciplinary studies. Recently, her focus has been on Taiwan-Japan collaborative research post-COVID-19, addressing disaster prevention planning and response, resilience in immigrants and migrant workers, and gender equality in reducing disaster risks.
In her lecture, Professor Hsu analyzed the subject of disaster and communication from various perspectives. For journalists, she imparted ethical reporting techniques and the importance of covering beneficial information such as shelters and evacuation centers to avoid the so-called "doughnut effect" by preparing in advance and understanding potential disaster zones. For public sectors, she shared insights into designing communication strategies and the practicalities of media relations.
Professor Hsu’s recent academic concerns including gender issues, new residents, and risk communication for migrant workers. She emphasizes that the key of communication is “access” - ensuring equality for all in expressing opinions and obtaining information. She advocates for respect towards the diverse languages, cultures, and technological adaptability of different groups, adjusting communication methods and tools according to various contexts and roles to ensure comprehensibility for everyone.