ACT International Day of Forests seminar – 18 March, 5.30pm, Fenner School ANU

The theme of this year’s International Day of Forests is Forests and Innovation.

In recognition of that theme, Professor Marta Yebra and Dr Nick Wilson will present a seminar about their work on Technological solutions for Bushfire Resilience.

The seminar will be followed by a discussion led by Dr Tony Bartlett.

Date and time: Monday 18 March, 5.30pm

Location: Frank Fenner Seminar Room, Frank Fenner Building #141, Linnaeus Way ANU, followed by drinks (byo)

Note that parking at ANU is free after 5pm; for parking locations, see this map.

Abstract:

Continuous fire risk monitoring plays a pivotal role in proactive bushfire management, particularly in remote regions susceptible to rapid fire outbreaks. When it comes to fire detection, conventional methods of fire detection reliant on public reporting, sporadic tower surveillance or manned aircraft are constrained by delays and limitations. More modern methods such satellites offer wide coverage but have sometimes limitations identifying small ignitions or lack of enough sensitivity to monitor the flammability of the landscape. The Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence (BRCoE) supported by ANU and Optus’s strategic aim is to address the critical need for advanced technological systems to manage bushfires nationwide. BRCoE leads in thought leadership, developing, demonstrating, and evaluating innovative technological solutions for bushfire management, aiming for rapid and reliable fire detection and suppression. We aim to provide Australia with a reliable and independent scientific body to provide unbiased and objective evaluation of the potential of new technology for bushfire management. This talk will present preliminary results of such a comprehensive evaluation aiming to synergize different technological capabilities effectively.

Presenter Bios:

Prof. Marta Yebra, Director of the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence is a renowned expert in remote sensing technology applied to bushfire management. Her advisory roles with government bodies such as the Australian Space Agency's Bushfire Earth Observation Taskforce and awards such as the Australian Space Awards Academic of the Year (2023) and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC's Outstanding Achievement in Research Utilization Award (2019) underscore her leadership in the field.

Dr. Nick Wilson is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence. His expertise lies in bushfire science and land management, with a focus on evaluating novel fire detection technologies. He was previously a research ecologist with the ACT Government.