Research on show at AFAC17

Leading researchers will present their latest findings from CRC projects at AFAC17 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, the annual Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and AFAC conference.

The full program was released today, and along with plenty of science, the latest learnings from across emergency management will be a feature in Sydney from 4-7 September.

With more than 2500 people involved in emergency management expected at the conference, the CRC's Research Forum will again kick off the conference week, showcasing all the latest natural hazards science to the emergency management community. Covering both science from the CRC and broader, it is a day to learn about the latest scientific developments that will benefit Australia’s emergency services, and is not just for researchers, says CRC CEO Dr Richard Thornton.

"Research findings are now flowing, and at the conference you will hear from many of our researchers about the range of ways CRC science is making a difference. I would encourage everyone in emergency management to come along and engage directly with our scientists on key industry issues," Dr Thornton said.  

The Research Forum will open with two international keynotes; Prof Ed Galea of Greenwich University in the UK, and Ann Bostrom from the University of Washington, USA. Prof Galea is the founding Director of the Fire Safety Engineering Group, a world leader in computational fire engineering responsible for fire and evacuation modelling. Ann Bostrom has conducted research focusing on risk perception, communication, and management; and environmental policy and decision-making. Closing the Research Forum is Prof Shane Cronin, Director of the Resilience to Nature’s Challenges, National Science Challenge New Zealand.

Day two of the conference will feature a keynote presentation on using data to drive performance from Bart van Leeuwen, a senior firefighter in the Netherlands and big data expert. On day three Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton will present on strengthening organisations.

AFAC17 will take place at the International Convention Centre in Sydney from 4-7 September 2017. The conference will explore the theme ‘Collaborating for Success – improving performance in emergency management’. View the full program on the conference website.

The conference will also feature an immersive trade exhibition, the biggest yet thanks to Hannover Fairs Australia and INTERSCHUTZ.

CRC researchers will be advised in due course about registrations, while staff and volunteers of fire and emergency service agencies should contact their agency to find out about internal selection processes for conference attendance.

Earlybird registrations are now open – register before 30 June to get the discounted price.