Scientists needed for new research

The third round of new research opportunities with the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is out now. These new projects include developing a new resource for bushfire management and the development of seasonal fire prediction tools. These projects are being undertaken for the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for all organisations interested in these projects, and will close on 27 July.

In case you missed it, the earlier EOIs are still available:

• community resilience, climate change impacts and prescribed burning – closing 13 July
• fire and ecosytems, user interface for fire weather data and application of self-evacuation methods – closing 20 July.

Further EOIs will be sought for additional research projects in the coming weeks. These will be announced on the CRC’s website, via email and on social media. Topics are detailed at the bottom of this article. This process will stagger the submission deadlines to ensure ample opportunity is provided to researchers who wish to submit proposals for multiple projects.

Effectiveness of resources to suppress bushfire - closing 27 July

This project will explore the effective use of resources, such as trucks, aircraft or bulldozers, on different types of bushfires. The study will highlight any inefficiencies and make suggestions on better practices to improve resource use. A core outcome will be the utilisation of a robust methodology, which will determine the suppression resources needed across an entire fire season. More infomation is available here.

Development of seasonal fire prediction tools  - closing 27 July

This project will conduct a needs analysis for the development of seasonal fire forecasts that can be implemented across Victoria. It will calibrate and assess long range Forest Fire Danger Indices and develop a proof of concept and experimental seasonal fire forecasting products that consider Forest Fire Danger Indice forecasts with possible enhancements to the base product that include fuel availability and comparison to similar season types. More infomation is available here.

Submitting a proposal

Further details on the projects and instructions of the requirements of these EOI can be found here. Any interested parties are encouraged to put forward a proposal. Responses are due by midnight on 27 July 2018.

Researchers are also encouraged to provide a consortium approach. In this case one party would be nominated as the lead research organisation and have overall responsibility for project delivery. More of these opportunities will be made available in the next month.

Any enquiries or request for further documentation related to these EOI should be directed to Loriana Bethune: loriana.bethune@bnhcrc.com.au 

Future topics

EOIs will be sought in the next three weeks for projects investigating:

• Wildlife protection
• Environmental compliance
• The impacts of environmental crime.