Research innovation on display in Perth

Dive into the latest research and knowledge on offer at the annual Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Research Forum on 5 September.

Over 370 researchers, emergency management personnel, end-users, volunteers and representatives from across the sector have already registered to attend the Forum at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, which will be held on the first day of AFAC18 powered by INTERSHUTZ.

There is still time to register! To ensure you do not miss out go to www.afacconference.com.au/register/

The Forum will showcase the best in natural hazards science and the latest research in the emergency management sector, said Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC CEO Dr Richard Thornton.

“The Research Forum will showcase a diverse range of science that is keeping communities safer,” Dr Thornton said.

“Our research is all about practical outcomes for our partners, and you will hear about the latest research findings and how they are informing change right now. The conference is also all about meeting our scientists and creating the networks to  enable you to embed the latest knowledge into your business.”

The program will feature several streams covering: prescribed burning; flood and wind; risk; diversity; youth; education; policy; predictive services; health and well-being; communication and economics.

Two keynote speakers will open the day, including senior principal scientist Dr Neil Burrows from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA and Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science Anna-Maria Arabia.

Dr Burrows will discuss the potential conflicts between planned burning and conservation values, while Anna-Maria Arabia will share her advice on effective science communication and the connections between science, politics and economics.

This year’s conference will also feature the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference (ADRC) running concurrently on days two and three as a separate stream. This will feature presentations on disaster resilience, including CRC research from Dr Melissa Parsons and Dr Megan McCarthy, alongside a panel discussion on disaster risk education chaired by CRC researcher Dr Briony Towers.

Over 170 exhibitors will also feature at the conference, showcasing the best of emergency services in the air, land and sea, as well as the latest equipment and live demonstrations.

A range of activities will follow the Research Forum across the conference week, including:

• Two-day AFAC conference: Thursday 6 September and Friday 7 September;
• Two-day Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, Thursday 6 September and Friday 7 September
• Professional development program with two field trip options available on Saturday 8 September.

Register for the Research Forum and AFAC conference at www.afacconference.com.au/register/

Register for the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference at www.aidr.org.au/programs/australian-disaster-resilience-conference/