Through real-world application, PhD candidate Shabnam Varzeshi is developing her skills as the inaugural recipient of Natural Hazard Research Australia’s (the Centre) postgraduate student internship program.
In collaboration with Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Shabnam is reviewing the research utilisation at NPWS to improve decision making for fire and land management agencies. The internship provides a unique opportunity to connect the next generation of scientists/ researchers with industry professionals, to strengthen the exchange of insights, knowledge and expertise between the researchers and end users for greater evidence informed practices in natural hazard management.
Shabnam is a PhD candidate at RMIT University working on integrating smart city technologies and urban resilience. The internship will enhance NSW NPWS’s understanding of how research outcomes are currently used to inform practical strategies in environmental management and will highlight opportunities for increased evidence-informed practice. Shabnam will be able to draw upon her skillset developed through her studies and apply it to the real world.
Shabnam will investigate the barriers and enablers to research utilisation with NSW NPWS. She will assess the effectiveness of knowledge exchange approaches to bridge the gap between research and practice.
Shabnam says the internship provides her with a valuable combination of academic rigour and practical application.
“Having the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in fire management has not only deepened my understanding but also contributed significantly to my professional development,” Shabnam says. “Working directly with NPWS initiatives allows me to contribute effectively to conservation efforts, providing critical insights that shape both my research and future career prospects."
Shabnam’s insights will provide valuable guidance for improving research utilisation. Fire Science Interpretation Officer, Dr Felipe Aires will be Shabnam’s primary supervisor at NSW NPWS. Dr Kat Haynes at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will provide additional end-user mentorship whilst Shabnam’s academic mentorship will be provided by her PhD supervisor and Centre researcher at RMIT, Prof John Fien.
Dr Felipe Aires says that the rapid increase of new research projects in emergency and fire management underscores a growing recognition of the need for advanced strategies to address the escalating risks posed by climate change and compounding, overlapping natural disasters.
“This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into NPWS knowledge brokering, research implementation practices, and barriers, guiding the agency's pathway to effectively engage with scientific research and translate evidence into operational improvements,” Felipe says. “Additionally, this pilot internship fosters collaboration between agencies and promotes the development of the next generation of professionals in our sector.”
The six-month paid internship, which began in March 2024, is a pilot internship designed by the Centre to build opportunities for early-career researchers and postgraduate students that combines education with work placements – a long-term focus on skills and workforce development, as highlighted in the Centre’s 10-Year Research Strategy 2022 and rolling Biennial Research Plans.
Centre Partnership Development Director, Sarah Mizzi said the internship is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between research and practice.
“This internship embodies our commitment to building a skilled workforce and fostering strong collaboration between academia and industry,” Sarah said. “It is also an opportunity for Centre participants to engage with the latest research thinking through the next generation of scientists to work on critical organisational imperatives, issues or business needs.”
“We’re proud to be supporting this opportunity and look forward to seeing Shabnam’s contribution to NSW NPWS.”
Learn more about how the Centre supports postgraduate students and early career researchers through our education programs: https://www.naturalhazards.com.au/education-programs