Four hundred for Forum

More than 400 researchers, emergency managers, volunteers and industry representatives are here in Adelaide for the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC all-hazards Research Forum in Adelaide.

Held on the first day of the annual Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC & AFAC conference, the Forum kicks off the conference and showcase the diversity of the research being conducted, not just within the CRC, but by other researchers both in Australia and internationally.

Importantly, the Forum is all-hazards, reflecting the mission of the CRC, as well as the research direction pursued by the wider international research community.

The Research Forum is a great opportunity for end-users and scientists to learn about current research, discuss partnerships and plan for the future. It has become a popular and essential part of the conference week. Speakers will cover topics such as: extreme fire weather; managing animals in disasters; earthquake impacts; flood fatalities; and fire management in Indigenous communities. 

Head to the conference website and register today! 

CEO of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Dr Richard Thornton said interest in the Forum had grown following the debut of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC at last year's conference in Wellington.

"Last year in Wellington was our first appearance, with our research program on full show. We were thrilled with the interest shown by those who attended. 

"Adelaide in two weeks is shaping up to be even better. I would encourage anyone in emergency management - not just scientists - to come along to the Research Forum.

"The science on show presents a great opportunity for all emergency management practitioners to learn what we are discovering about the biggest challenges in emergency management across Australasia, and finding ways to use this knowledge every day to make our communities safer,” Dr Thornton said.

Conference activities have been scheduled across four days to allow delegates to explore the conference theme and topics. Activities include: 

• All-hazards Research Forum: 1 September 
• Two day conference: 2-3 September
• Gala dinner: 3 September
• Six post conference development sessions: 4 September

Delegates will hear from a number of leading international and Australian experts including:

• Dr Mark Finney – Research forester, US Forest Service
• Feng Min Kan - head of Disaster Risk Reduction Asia Pacific, United Nations
• Dr Rowan Douglas – CEO, Capital Science and Policy Practice, Willis Group (UK)
• Trefor Munn-Venn, CEO Rhapsody Strategies (Canada)
• Dr Alex Zelinsky, Chief Defence Scientist, Defence Science and Technology Organisation
• Dr Paul Willis, Director, RiAus
• Iain MacKenzie, Inspector-General Emergency Management, Queensland
• Dr Bill Griggs, Director Trauma Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital

The program will further be augmented by the 6000sqm conference exhibition space that will feature more than 90 leading industry manufacturers and research posters.

Staff and volunteers of fire and emergency service agencies/departments should contact their agency/department to find out about internal selection processes for conference attendance.

For more information about the conference including registration, conferencing activities and speaker profiles visit www.afac.com.au/conference. You can also stay updated via Twitter using the hashtag #AFAC15.