Major award for CRC researcher

Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC researcher Dr Katharine Haynes (Risk Frontiers, Macquarie University) has been selected as the Australian nomination for the prestigious APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASIPIRE) Award for 2015, beating a strong field of applicants in Sydney last week.

"I am thrilled to be selected to represent Australia," said Dr Haynes.

"It is great that research on the human and policy dimensions of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation was recognised. There are many excellent researchers doing similar work across Australia and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is a great supporter of much of this research"

This year’s ASPIRE theme is 'Disaster risk reduction: Understanding the role of climate change and variability'. The theme focuses on innovative technologies that may help economies adapt to the changing climate, protect the natural environment, and build resilient and sustainable societies.

As the Australian nomination, Dr Haynes is in the running for the major award, which will be presented in the Philippines in August. This is the first year Australia has run a national competition to select a nominee for the APEC-wide prize.

CEO of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, Dr Richard Thornton, said that Dr Haynes was a worthy representative for Australia.

“Dr Haynes’ research has led to a number of direct policy outcomes to improve disaster management for extreme events and climate variability.  It is fantastic for both her, and the CRC, that she will represent Australia and the CRC in the Philippines in August.”

Dr Haynes was recognised for her work in community and youth-based disaster risk reduction and communication and for using science to improve policies and organisational procedures.

Her research has spanned the full range of natural disasters, including bushfires, heatwaves, cyclones, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. She has also collaborated with academics and emergency management practitioners from other APEC economies including Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines and the US.

ASPIRE is an annual award, valued at US$25,000 (approximately A$32,000–$33,000), which recognises young scientists from APEC economies who have demonstrated a commitment to both excellence in scientific research and cooperation with scientists from other APEC member economies.  

The ASPIRE Prize supports APEC’s mission to:

• strengthen international science and technology networks
• enhance economic growth, trade and investment opportunities in harmony with sustainable development, through policies, innovative R&D and technologies, and knowledge sharing
• improve linkages and efficiency between research and innovation.

Dr Haynes was nominated for the award by CRC project leader, Prof Kevin Ronan (CQUniversity), as well as Prof John McAneney (Risk Frontiers, Macquarie University).