Our research focus
We are actively developing a national research program that strengthens and extends a rich history of research in natural hazards, including the work of predecessors the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and Bushfire CRC.
Towards a national research program
Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) began in July 2021, working with partners to establish a national research program that delivers on our guiding vision: that communities will be safer, more resilient and sustainable in the face of natural hazards. You can learn more about the process to develop the research program here.
The research program includes short-, medium- and long-term projects that focus on natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction to support the needs of critical stakeholders – including emergency service agencies and communities – in preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural hazards. You can find out more about working with us to facilitate projects here.
This research program is built on foundations of core projects of a national interest or relevance to multiple states or territories. The Centre will also fund and support in-kind postgraduate projects through its education program, undertake specific commissioned research to meet an organisational need, and offer quick response funds to complete time-critical research that collects perishable data in the immediate aftermath of a natural hazard.
Natural hazard research priorities for the nation
During the Centre’s establishment year, we developed a set of National research priorities for disaster risk reduction and community resilience to the impacts of natural hazards.
These priorities build on what we already know about disaster risk reduction, as well as identifying research gaps and research needs across Australia. They were developed with key partners from government, emergency management agencies, private sector and not-for-profit companies.
The priorities also address the research needs and issues raised by recommendations from the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, the 2020 NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry and the Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC’s Black Summer research program.
The document is intended to provide research guidance to the whole sector.
