The best and brightest minds in Australian universities are invited to put their creative talents into helping solve the trickiest of social and cultural problems that surround how we deal with floods, bushfires, storms, cyclones and other natural hazards.
The Disaster Challenge is calling out to early career researchers and postgraduate students across Australia to submit their innovative ideas and solutions for the wicked problems the county faces with natural hazards.
A wicked problem is one that is urgent, but difficult to solve because of incomplete, contradictory or changing requirements that are often difficult to recognise or evaluate.
Seeking innovative research for these wicked problems, the Disaster Challenge is now open nationally, with a social science focus for the inaugural Challenge. It asks the question: How can disaster preparation engage with the unengaged, the moving or the hard to reach?
Open to postgraduate students at universities and TAFEs within Australia, as well as early career researchers up to five years post PhD or Masters, the Disaster Challenge will be conducted in two phases.
Phase one is the concept pitch – visit disasterchallenge.com.au and explain a new solution to engage a transient sector of the community with disaster preparation information – entries close 30 June. The second phase will see finalists develop their ideas further and culminate at the Disaster Challenge Final in Brisbane as part of the UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October.
The Disaster Challenge is not only for people with emergency management, disaster research or disaster expertise explained Dr John Bates, Research Strategy Director of Natural Hazards Research Australia.
“Research into natural hazards is well-established across Australia, but with the Disaster Challenge we want to tap into different ways of thinking around the problems. Innovation from all areas can be used to benefit disaster management in Australia, Dr Bates explained.
“The Disaster Challenge will engage and inspire graduate students and early career researchers in relevant research and encourage them to explore careers in natural hazards science, management or community resilience. It is about how you take your knowledge, your ideas, your thinking and your experience and make a difference to disaster management.”
There are great prizes on offer for the leading concepts too, including prizemoney, the opportunity to progress ideas further with industry experts and mentors, and the chance to showcase concepts at natural hazard forums.
“The Disaster Challenge is an excellent opportunity to boost your credentials and advance your career in natural hazards management and disaster research,” Dr Bates said.
What’s your innovative research idea? Learn more at disasterchallenge.com.au
An online briefing was held on 25 May for anyone interested in participating in the Disaster Challenge or learning more. Watch the recording here.
National in focus, the inaugural Disaster Challenge is coordinated by Natural Hazards Research Australia, hosted with support from universities and emergency management organisations in Queensland: Australian Red Cross, CQUniversity, Griffith University, Healthy Land and Water, Inspector-General Emergency Management Queensland, James Cook University, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast. A second Disaster Challenge is planned with a focus on physical science solutions to a different wicked problem.
For interviews and further information contact Nathan Maddock, Communications Manager, Natural Hazards Research Australia. 0410 998 600, nathan.maddock@naturalhazards.com.au
