Got a wicked problem that needs solving? Natural Hazards Research Australia is planning the 2023 Disaster Challenge and welcomes suggestions on the wicked problem to be tackled.
Get in quick – send in your wicked problem suggestion by the end of the year to research@naturalhazards.com.au
What is a wicked problem?
Disaster management is full of wicked problems – they’re urgent and tough to solve because of incomplete, contradictory or changing requirements that are often difficult to recognise or evaluate. Wicked problems by their nature do not allow for a simple response.
The 2023 Disaster Challenge will focus on operational response and innovation. Wicked problems must be related to this, but it is a broad topic that will allow for new and innovative ideas. What is operational response and innovation?
What is the Disaster Challenge?
The Disaster Challenge will centre around a wicked problem and ask early career researchers and postgraduate students across Australia to pitch their innovative idea or solution on how that wicked problem can be tackled or solved. The first Disaster Challenge was held this year, with inaugural winners impressing the judges with their concept of using wi-fi portals to provide tourists with localised disaster preparedness information while on holiday. The wicked problem they addressed was: How can disaster preparation engage with the unengaged, the moving or the hard to reach?
Learn more about the Disaster Challenge.