Node Research Manager, Dr Blythe McLennan was recognised for outstanding knowledge leadership and advancement in Australasian Women in Emergencies Network (AWE) Recognition Awards 2024.
At a ceremony in October, Blythe was awarded for her significant impact on knowledge development and advancement in the emergency management and disaster resilience sector.
Passionate about building strong and diverse collaborations to support impactful, accessible, policy-relevant research, Blythe’s dedication and willingness to go above and beyond was highlighted in the award notes.
“Blythe is a committed and tenacious advocate for the disaster researchers she supports. She continuously demonstrates a dedicated effort to helping researchers navigate process hurdles and supporting them to deliver their work in a way that will benefit communities and the emergency management sector.”
According to Blythe, the award is especially meaningful due to the awarding organisation and its mission.
“It feels really special to be recognised in this way by the AWE. I love working with disaster researchers and their project partners to navigate all the twists and turns of doing good, impactful research in this sector,” Blythe said.
“I’m very lucky to be able to work with very skilled and passionate people every day, and this award is a lovely acknowledgement that what I do is appreciated and valued. The AWE is a wonderfully supportive space for women in emergency management, where everyone builds each other up, and these awards are a testament to that.”
With a background in human geography, Blythe undertook major research projects for both the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and Bushfire CRC prior to joining Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) in 2021. These projects explored sustainable and changing volunteering, as well as shared responsibility for disaster management between authorities and communities during her 12 years at RMIT University.
Centre CEO Andrew Gissing congratulated Blythe on this recognition of her significant and on-going contribution to natural hazards research.
“This award underscores the vital role Blythe plays not only at the Centre, but across the whole sector of natural hazards research. Blythe’s ability to bridge the gap between research and practical application supports academia while delivering real-word impact to communities and emergency management,” Andrew said.
Blythe is among 23 women recognised this year, with award winners playing a wide range of roles in a range of organisations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Collectively these women paint a picture of emergency management and disaster resilience across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific – one where everybody has an important role to play, from leaders and front-line responders to technical experts, researchers, trainers and volunteers.