Vale Prof Kevin Ronan

It is with sadness that the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC has learnt of the passing of Prof Kevin Ronan (CQUniversity). Kevin was a friend to many in the CRC family, and was inspirational in the establishment of a major theme of research incorporating the rights of the child into the disaster risk reduction agenda. This was particularly so in the research that he led in the CRC.

Kevin was a person of boundless energy, keen to impart his knowledge and enthusiasm. He was a mentor to many, which included many researchers and PhD students in the CRC. He’ll be missed by all. 

Kevin’s dedication to the cause of the role that children can play in the reduction of disaster risk also played out on the world stage, where he was one of the lead authors on the science of child-centred disaster risk reduction input to the 2015 Global Assessment Review. This review fed into the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Sendai meeting, and went on to form an integral part of the Sendai agreement. Kevin represented the CRC at many international meetings and was always promoting best practice research, as well as building networks of people, researchers and end-users - true believers in the cause. The CRC recognised Kevin’s work and support in 2015, awarding him the CRC Outstanding Achievement Award.

Kevin’s insight, knowledge, mentorship and sense of humour will be greatly missed. The CRC sends its deepest condolences to Kevin’s wife and daughters, and his family and friends at this time of grief.