A SPECIAL team aiming to learn lessons from major disasters has been set up by Cranfield University at Shrivenham.

The team will study disasters like the Asian tsunami, as well as earthquakes and find out how relief work can be improved.

Professor Trevor Taylor said: "We'll be working closely with the international community through the United Nations, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and other Government departments and co-ordinating agencies.

"This is a major undertaking in partnership with colleagues at the Defence Academy Of The UK.

"As part of the unit a full-time researcher will be engaged to collate all available data from India, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Somalia."

Members will travel to countries affected by earthquakes and the tsunami to conduct research and provide training to the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.

An interim report on earthquake and tsunami disasters will be published April by the team.