Attendees at this year's Natural Hazards Research Forum will enjoy an action-packed program – where they will connect with leading research, reflect on lessons learned and discuss how innovation can support safer, more resilient and sustainable communities.
With keynotes Brendan Moon AM (Coordinator-General, National Emergency Management Agency), Prof Veronica Matthews (leading First Nations rural health researcher, University of Sydney Centre for Rural Health) and Prof Fiona Wood AO (world-leading burns specialist and inventor, Fiona Wood Foundation) opening the Natural Hazards Research Forum 2026, days two and three plenary panel sessions round out the lineup of leading experts in innovative research impact in Adelaide, 10-12 June.
Facilitated by Hannah Wandel OAM, Chief Executive of SAFECOM (SA), the Legends retrospective brings together four eminent voices in Australian natural hazards research inviting them to reflect on their careers to shape the future. Panellists include:
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Emeritus Prof John Handmer, floods warning expert, member of the Australian National Flood Risk Advisory Group and the national committee revising the Australian Emergency Risk Assessment Guide.
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Emeritus Prof Russell Blong, expert in integrated multi-criteria natural hazards risk assessment, global catastrophic risk, loss modelling, building damage analysis and risk reduction for a wide range of natural perils in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Dr Greg Ayres, former CEO of the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology and highly respected for research and career in atmospheric sciences.
Lessons from the Los Angeles fires will feature a keynote presentation from Dr Faraz Hedayati, lead research engineer from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in the United States. This session will showcase Faraz’s research from the LA fireground and parallel insights into similar conditions in Australia, including expert panellists:
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Dominique Hogan-Doran SC, Natural Hazards Research Australia’s Acting Board Chair as panel facilitator.
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Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM, SA Country Fire Service (South Australia).
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Deputy Commissioner Melissa Pexton, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (Western Australia)
Download the draft program, register here and don’t forget to register for the pre-Forum workshops.