An international all hazards forum for AFAC17

An international take on natural hazards science has sparked interest, with around 300 researchers, emergency managers, volunteers and industry representatives set to be in Sydney early next month for the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC all-hazards Research Forum.

Held on the first day of the AFAC17 powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference, 4 September, the Research Forum kicks off the conference and showcases the diversity of the research being conducted, not just within the CRC, but by other researchers both in Australia and internationally.

Importantly, the Forum is all-hazards, reflecting the mission of the CRC, as well as the research direction pursued by the wider international research community.

The annual Research Forum is a great opportunity for end-users and scientists to learn about current research, discuss partnerships and plan for the future. It has become a popular and essential part of the annual conference week. Speakers will cover topics such as: engineering for cyclones and flood, prescribed burning, emergency policy, mental health, children and youth, and the economics of hazard risk.

The diversity of research underway in emergency and land management will be on show, says CRC CEO, Dr Richard Thornton.

 “The Research Forum is not just for scientists, it is the perfect opportunity for focused discussions between the research community and emergency managers on industry issues. These discussions are more important now than ever as we continue to embed research findings into practice.

“Our partners, and indeed the wider emergency management industry, are telling us they highly value the science we are undertaking, and they are voting with their feet,” Dr Thornton said.

Three keynotes will offer an insight look at climate forecasting, disaster recovery, resilience and communicating risks and warnings.

Blair Trewin, Climate Scientist at the Bureau of Meteorology, will explain how climate change has had an observable impact on natural hazard profiles in Australia with further changes virtually certain over the coming decades regardless of future greenhouse gas emissions.

Ann Bostrom of the University of Washington will draw on her research into earthquake early warnings and climate change perceptions to outline international developments in the field of warnings and forecasts of natural hazards.

Ending the day will be Prof Shane Cronin founding director of Resilience to Nature’s Challenge, part of the New Zealand National Science Challenge, which is addressing the most important issues facing that nation. He will talk about the positives and negatives of the challenge in its first two years.

It is not too late to register. Head to afacconference.com.au to ensure you do not miss out.

Conference activities have been scheduled across four days to allow delegates to explore the conference theme and topics. Activities include: 

• All-hazards Research Forum: Monday 4 September 
• Two day conference: Tuesday 5 September, Wednesday 6 September
• Eleven post conference development sessions and field trips: Thursday 7 September