To help us understand some of the world’s most urgent disaster resilience issues through the eyes of global experts, we are hosting a special session, open to the public and in partnership with the University of Melbourne, as part of the 2023 Natural Hazards Research Forum.
Date: Wednesday 3 May 2023
Time: 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Venue: RMIT University’s Storey Hall, 336-348 Swanston St, Melbourne (note there is also a livestreaming option when registering)
Registration: If you have registered for the full Forum, this event is already included in your registration. If you wish to attend this open session only, find out more and register here.
Guests will first hear a special keynote presentation from Prof Daniel Aldrich on social infrastructure’s critical role in mitigating shocks.
Prof Daniel Aldrich is a professor of political science and Director of the Security and Resilience Studies Program at Northeastern University in the United States. He is a leading expert in disaster resilience and how social infrastructure can be supported to save lives and improve resilience. An award-winning researcher and author, he has published five books, more than 90 peer-reviewed articles, and written op-eds for the New York Times, CNN, HuffPost, and many other media outlets. He has spent more than 5 years in India, Japan, and Africa completing fieldwork and his work has been funded by the Fulbright Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Abe Foundation, the Rasmussen Foundation, and the Japan Foundation, among others.
Following the keynote, Prof Aldrich will be part of the Forum’s closing panel discussion about disaster resilience and leadership, alongside Christine Ferguson PSM and Hannah Wandel OAM.
Christine Ferguson PSM is the Deputy Secretary, Forest, Fire and Regions at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA; formerly DELWP) in Victoria. Before joining DEECA, Christine held leadership roles at the Victorian Department of Human Services. In 2020, Christine was recognised with a Public Service Medal for her outstanding public service to policy and program delivery in Victoria.
Hannah Wandel OAM is the Acting First Assistant Coordinator-General of the Programs and Policies Division at the National Emergency Management Agency, which oversees substantial investments and policy initiatives to strengthen Australia’s resilience to disasters. Having received the ACT Young Australian of the Year in 2019, Hannah has experience in disaster management, regional and social policy, having previously worked as a senior executive in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to implement key recommendations from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.
Learn more about this event and how to register here.
Find out more about the 2023 Natural Hazards Research Forum here.