# Lessons from Hurricane Katrina on rebuilding academia from the ground up

Nature examines how universities and research institutions in New Orleans were rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005. The piece draws out practical lessons on restoring research capacity, retaining staff and students, and redesigning institutions after a disaster. It is aimed at academic leaders and policymakers facing similar recovery challenges.

**Importance:** 2/5

## Sources

### Science
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02623-0) — 2026-10-19