Nature-based solutions, digital twins and smart public spaces go head-to-head in the 2025 Disaster Challenge Final

Join us in person or livestream all the action of this year’s Disaster Challenge Final in Hobart!

The three finalist teams are perfecting their ideas and pitches and you are invited to join Natural Hazards Research Australia to hear innovative ways to revolutionise all types of infrastructure to build disaster resilience.

10:00am - 12:00pm AEDT, 14 October 2025

Online or in person at the RACV Hobart Hotel, 154-156 Collins St, Hobart TAS 7000

Meet the teams

Thriving coastal futures in southern Tasmania - Dr. Malcolm S. Johnson (Huon Valley Council), Bianca Suarez (Australian National University), Edith Shum (University of Tasmania), Kianna Gallagher (University of Tasmania), Hevi Kurnia Hardini (Australian Maritime College), Rosie Katunar (NRE Tasmania)

This project empowers the Garden Island Sands community to manage coastal erosion through an integrated approach where locally led nature-based solutions strengthen social wellbeing and transform governance. This Tasmanian pilot leverages innovative partnerships between Council and communities to develop novel infrastructure adaptation, creating a replicable model for coastal community resilience nationwide.

A Digital twin for real-time flood insights - Ryan Turner (RMIT University)

Innovation into data-driven solutions are required in response to increases in the frequency and intensity of flooding events in Australia. A Digital Twin for urban floods integrates real-time data into a dynamic interactive 3D model, to inform flood response and increase community awareness – enhancing both physical and social resilience.

From verge to vital: People-powered green spaces for climate and disaster resilience - Evelyn Liew (Griffith University), Anjalee Panditha (Griffith University), Sebastian Bernal Garcia (Griffith University)

Transforming underused public spaces into smart, nature-based infrastructure that reduces disaster risks like floods and fires. Co-designed with communities and Indigenous groups, the solution uses native plants, smart technology, and local stewardship to protect people and ecosystems, fostering safer, greener, and more connected rural Australian communities.

The Disaster Challenge brings together Australia's best and brightest early career researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students to innovate real-world wicked problems in the way we respond to bushfires, floods, storms, cyclones and other natural hazards.

Learn more about the Disaster Challenge here.