In less than a decade the term resilience has evolved from the disciplines of materials science and environmental studies to become a concept used liberally and enthusiastically by policy makers, practitioners and academics. It suggests an ability of something or someone to cope in the face of adversity - to recover and return to normality after confronting an abnormal, alarming and often unexpected threat. It is used alongside security to understand how governments, local authorities and the emergency services can best address the threats from terrorism, natural disasters, health pandemics and other disruptive challenges.

The Executive Education Program includes courses, seminars and workshops which aim to build national and community resilience. The Program is delivered at postgraduate level and instruction is provided by faculty staff from the Institute’s four universities and with visiting lecturers from government, the emergency services and organisations with proven experience in building resilience.