Researchers tackling burning questions on bushfires

Ahead of Australia’s bushfire season, a national conference starting tomorrow at The University of Queensland will bring together bushfire researchers with those at the front line.

Bushfire 2016: Connecting Science, People and Practice will link fire scientists and students with public land managers, traditional owners and other fire professionals.

Hosted and coordinated by the South East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, the conference will be held on Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 September at UQ’s St Lucia campus.

See the full program here.

Consortium manager Dr Samantha Lloyd said the conference would share new fire research findings that tackle the burning questions.

“With a focus on applied fire ecology, fire management research, traditional owner fire projects and collaborative fire programs, the conference will showcase successful partnerships that translate science into practice,” she said.

Conference speakers include UQ ARC Laureate Fellow Professor Hugh Possingham, University of Wollongong Professor Ross Bradstock, Dr Neil Burrows of the Department of Parks and Wildlife in Western Australia, and University of Melbourne Associate Professor Alan York.

Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) Associate Professor Nikki Thurgate will discuss fire-related datasets collected and published by TERN and its partners, and how this information is used to manage fire.

UQ science honours student Brooke Williams will present future fire management options to maximise asset protection and conservation outcomes.

Delegates will visit North Stradbroke Island and the Sunshine Coast after the conference.

Media: Dr Samantha Lloyd slloyd@seqcatchments.com.au, 0438 008 668

Video caption: A controlled burn near Inglewood, Queensland illustrates the force of a bushfire. Filmed by UQ fire researcher Nicholas McCarthy, of the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management.