Er. Suraj Gautam is a civil engineer, researcher and disaster risk reduction professional from Nepal, with extensive experience in multi-hazard risk assessment, early warning systems, community-based disaster preparedness and climate resilience. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR), Coordinator of the IRDR International Centre of Excellence on Interdisciplinary Research on Himalayan Risk and Resilience and General Secretary of Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet Nepal). He is also the Co-Chair of the Technical Committee (TC-39) on Cascading and Compounding Risk Assessment for Resilient Engineering of the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC).

He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering specialising in Disaster Risk Management from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, along with Master’s degrees in Economics and Public Administration. Recognised as an IRDR Young Scientist, his expertise spans citizen science, flood and landslide modelling, impact-based forecasting, anticipatory action, GIS and remote sensing, UAV-based disaster assessment, loss and damage, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Through his research and professional engagements, he has led and contributed to numerous national and regional initiatives that integrate scientific research, technological innovation, policy engagement and community participation. His work focuses on translating scientific knowledge and risk information into practical, locally relevant solutions to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and resilience across the Himalayan region.