France and Australia Bushfire Science Workshop

The Group of Eight and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC partnered with the French Embassy to convene this online workshop to discuss the latest advances in bushfire research and to foster future collaborations between our two nations.

France-Australia Bushfire Science Workshop

Day 1- Tuesday 15 September 2020
Day 2 - Wednesday 16 September 2020
Day 3- Thursday 17 September 2020

Timing for all days:

AEST 4pm – 6.30pm
CEST 8am - 10.30am

The workshop provided Australian and French researchers with a forum to share, discuss and anticipate research relevant to bushfire and other natural hazard emergencies with key research users including emergency service and government agencies.

The workshop aimed to build upon the strong interest in Australia and internationally in bushfire response following the unprecedented 2019-20 Australian bushfire season. Current and future collaborators in bushfire and hazard research gained a consolidated and greater appreciation of where joint activity is needed to better prepare for, support and respond to expected and emerging challenges.

The workshop program was held over three days at a time suitable to participants in both France and Australia. Panel discussions were led by researchers, government and agency representatives, and policy makers from both countries, with opportunities for workshop participants to ask questions. 

The topics covered included:

• the emergency response to the crisis
• the science of extreme fires
• managing the land, forests and urban zones
• health and medical issues
• environmental restoration
• future risks
• opportunities for collaboration

Most Go8 universities participate in the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, creating a natural affiliation between the two organisations’ respective expertise. CRC and Go8 bushfire researchers are also collaborating internationally, including with France, in related research projects; such as Horizon 2020.

Both organisations are now intent in further fostering the collaboration that served Australia well during summer bushfire crisis. The intent of the workshop was to capitalise on and share the lessons and new knowledge acquired from the Black Summer fires.

Workshop outcomes

The recent focus on Australian bushfires creates significant potential to highlight Australian expertise and to generate further collaborations and partnerships in research, knowledge and practices across the globe.

The workshop connected researchers from both countries, and outcomes include future possible collaborations in specific areas of research. Drawing on the workshop discussion these areas were identified during the workshop and particularly in the final session. These included:

• stronger linkages between existing partners
• new linkages and potential areas of joint research
• the identification of specific collaborative projects.
  

The full workshop program is available on the Download Now button on top right.