CRC scientists leading the way

Two more CRC fire researchers have been recognised as leading females in fire science internationally.

Dr Marta Yebra (Australian National University), project leader on the Mapping bushfire hazards and impacts study, and former Bushfire CRC researcher Dr Christine Eriksen (University of Wollongong) were recognised by Fire Journal in November.

“In fire science, there is a distinct and critical need to increase the recognition of women,” the Journal says.

Dr Yebra has been instrumental in launching the Australian Flammability Monitoring System, which provides live updates on fuel moisture across the Australian landscape. Dr Yebra is working hard with her end-users on how to embed the use of the system into operational practices.

Dr Eriksen’s research focuses on the social, cultural and political aspects of disasters, as well as the role of faith and gender in disaster management, resilience and vulnerability.

The Journal recognises 145 women with the intention of promoting diversity across the fire and emergency management sector.

The list follows on from an earlier version that recognised CRC researcher A/Prof Tina Bell for her contributions to forecasting the impacts of prescribed burns.

The Journal is committed to improving diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the sector and encourages people to assist by offering perspectives, viewpoints and constructive criticisms to help advance that mission.

It considers the number of papers that a researcher’s work has been cited in, a metric known as the h-index.

The women acknowledged cover a variety of perspectives and topics across fire research including preparedness; place attachment; ignition and environmental policy.