The Early- and Mid-Career Academic and Practitioner (EMCAP) Network supports the next generation of natural hazards leaders and fosters excellence in hazard science and management, ensuring collaboration with partners and the community to create a safer and more resilient Australia.
The Network's Executive Committee oversees professional development and networking opportunities, building a strong community of people committed to disaster risk reduction and resilience.
As the EMCAP Network is established, let's take the opportunity to introduce five of the nine members of the Executive Committee and learn about their backgrounds and reasons for joining the network.
Dr Hamish Clarke, The University of Melbourne, EMCAP Network Executive Committee Chair
Dr Hamish Clarke researches bushfire risk, fire management and climate change at the University of Melbourne and Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre). He is currently a Westpac Research Fellow and was recently awarded an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship to support climate-adapted bushfire risk management. His accolades include the 2024 Frederick White Medal, a 2021 Young Tall Poppy and the 2021 Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research as part of the NSW Bushfire Hub. Hamish was previously based at the University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University and the NSW Environment Department. He is committed to public interest science and effective engagement with fire managers, policy makers and the community. Hamish writes at the Future Fire Substack and lives in Melbourne with his wife and three daughters.
Why did you join the EMCAP Network?
A few reasons. I love trying new things. I’m a strong believer in the need for connection – across disciplines, sectors, jurisdictions, knowledge systems, you name it. I’m interested in working strategically – how do you get the most out of limited resources? I’m keen to shine a light on research in government, which is often overlooked in favour of what’s happening in academia and the private sector. I had a great experience being on the exec committee of the Australian Academy of Science EMCR Forum and would love to build on that with the Centre. Ultimately, I want to support people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds and help all of us find better relationships with natural hazards.
Dr Adriana Keating, Fire to Flourish – Monash University
Dr Adriana Keating is a systems thinker whose applied research focuses on enabling systems change to strengthen community disaster resilience. She is a Research Fellow with the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and holds a guest position at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. Working at the science-policy-practice interface, Adriana has over 15 years of experience in the disaster field, primarily in flooding and bushfires. She is an expert in disaster resilience whose work utilises systems analysis, and measurement and decision-support methodologies to conceptualise and effect change in disaster resilience both in Australia and internationally.
Why did you join the EMCAP Network?
I am committed to the vision and mission of the Centre, and the elevation of the next generation of natural hazards researchers and practitioners. I have had the privilege of working on several Centre and previously Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC projects and recognise the critical importance of the Centre in shaping the strategic direction of natural hazards research and deepening researcher-practitioner collaboration – this is where I would like to contribute. EMCAP has the potential to contribute to establishing strong foundations for the future of research-backed, evidenced-based risk management and resilience-strengthening policy and practice across Australia.
Ruby Campbell, Stantec
Ruby Campbell is a practitioner working in the flood and environmental resilience space. Ruby has a background in environmental science which interplays with natural hazards and a passion for helping the community. Ruby spent a year across the ditch in Aotearoa New Zealand studying a Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience and is working to integrate her learnings into both her professional and volunteer work.
Why did you join the EMCAP Network?
After witnessing the devastation of the 2022 Northern Rivers Floods, I had an ‘ah ha’ moment recognising that disasters happen at the intersection of people and the environment. Having a passion for strong communities and a background in environmental science, I chose to pursue postgraduate study in natural hazards and learn the current approaches and research shaping mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. I have great admiration for research and seek to help practitioners integrate forefront and timely research into the work delivered within society whether it be infrastructure or strategic plans amidst an uncertain climate.
Dr Petter Nyman, Alluvium Consulting
Dr Petter Nyman works across a diverse range of projects at the Alluvium Group, delivering work in strategic planning, data analytics and the development of tools that help bring science and evidence into decision-making processes. His research and consulting experience spans multiple disciplines, encompassing themes such as catchment hydrology, climate change, bushfires, urban heat, and geomorphic hazards. Over the years, Petter has published more than 40 peer review journal articles related to these themes, and was a researcher with the Bushfire CRC. He works part time with the University of Melbourne where he continues to supervise students and conduct applied research at the intersection of hydrology, climate change, land use and bushfires.
Why did you join the EMCAP Network?
I look forward to connecting with academics and professionals who are working in natural hazards research and playing a role together with them in creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and shaping the work that the Centre is funding and delivering.
Dr Kamarah Pooley, Fire & Rescue NSW
Dr Kamarah Pooley is a Senior Firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW and is currently working as a researcher with the Community Safety Directorate. She specialises in multidisciplinary, applied social research with experience in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community risk reduction and public safety initiatives. As a researcher and practitioner, Kamarah is passionate about translational research that has direct outcomes for emergency services agencies and the communities they serve. BNHCRC PhD student
Why did you join the EMCAP Network?
I am passionate about translational research. As a researcher working in industry, I am acutely aware of the opportunities and challenges that practitioners face. I have worked to identify and capitalise on opportunities to engage with other researchers and work with a diverse array of stakeholders, which is why I am so excited about EMCAP! Connection and collaboration are core to critical and innovative thinking and navigating the different, often divergent, priorities of stakeholders. I hope that we can create a network that supports and facilitates the exploration of ideas to improve translational research and collaborative approaches to disaster risk reduction.
Are you interested in joining the EMCAP Network? Register your interest here and stay tuned for more information.