Natural Hazards Research Australia's (the Centre) 2024–25 Annual Progress Report celebrates the successful achievement of research utilisation in partnership with Centre Participants and researchers to build safer, more resilient and sustainable communities.
After only four years of operation, this success highlights delivery beyond expectations. The Centre is contributing to all 24 actions detailed in the Commonwealth National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction and continued implementation of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements’ recommendations.
The Centre maintains its vital role in fostering a collaborative end-user driven research ecosystem with 32 formal Participants from all states and territories and 57 research providers. We are also now home to a diverse cohort of 335 researchers supporting disaster resilience and reducing disaster risk.
Our Hazardous Webinar series showcased lessons from national and global disasters; resilience of critical infrastructure; awareness, education and communication for compound disasters; community perceptions and understanding of bushfire maps; and enhancing decision making in emergency management. The series attracted 5,667 registrations from 774 organisations throughout the year.
The Natural Hazards Research Forum 2025 showcased the Centre’s success. More than 600 registrants from 200-plus organisations highlights the need and appetite for research utilisation and bold thinking in the face of worsening natural hazard risk. The executive masterclass focused on building innovation and strategic foresight capabilities and the launch of the State of Disaster Resilience in Australia 2025 report presented findings from the second edition of the Australian Disaster Resilience Index (ADRI-2).
Just over $30 million in research investment has been allocated across 92 core research projects with two end-user driven research concept rounds conducted in 2024–25 focused on evidence-based solutions to address natural hazard risk.
Importantly, 29 research projects are now complete, enabling research translation and use. The quality of the Centre’s research is demonstrated through the national recognition our researchers have received in awards and accolades.
Our research is having real world impact to enhance the safety, resilience and sustainability of communities, as evidenced in our recently released Biennial Research Report 2025-27.
This includes the Australian Disaster Resilience Index (ADRI) informing government reporting and decision-making and its use in the Australian Government’s Measuring What Matters Statement.
Research findings continue to be incorporated into national emergency management and resilience doctrine and training and community-led place-based research strengthening Wiradjuri and Wolgalu Aboriginal cultural knowledge in the Brungle-Tumut Indigenous ranger program, Bugang Bila.
Building on Be Ahead of Ready, the Centre continued to foster bold thinking through industry presentations and workshops. The Centre also partnered with Suncorp ahead of the Global Nature Positive Summit to co-produce the Nature Positive Disaster Risk Reduction Solutions discussion paper and roundtable.
Strong, proactive media engagement communicating evidence-based community messages led to the Centre and its researchers featuring in the media 1,805 times in the last 12 months, including significant media coverage during the LA fires, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Mid-North Coast New South Wales flooding.
Investment in next-generation sector and research capability is a key focus with the Centre supporting 55 post-graduate and 28 associate students. Eight early-career fellowships are building in-depth, useable research and the Centre’s innovative internship and First Nations Scholarship program will continue to bridge the gap between research and industry.
In its fourth iteration, the Centre’s Disaster Challenge continues to inspire and support early and mid-career researchers and practitioners to innovate and connect with industry.
Congratulations to the 2024 winners, Craig Ridep-Morris, Alison Sheaves and Madison Green from James Cook University for their project Building trust and resilience: Improving community disaster response through personalised messaging.
The Centre has continued to foster excellence in the science and management of natural hazards, advocating for the next generation of natural hazards leaders through the Early and Mid-Career Academic and Practitioners Network’s (EMCAP) 119 members.
Throughout the last year, the Centre contributed strategic expert advice to initiatives including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Disaster Risk Profile and the National Climate Change Risk Assessment. The Centre also led the establishment, alongside key representatives from the United States and New Zealand, of an International Community of Practice on Assisted Relocation, delivering a successful on topic workshop at the Natural Hazards Research Forum 2025 (NHRF25).
The Centre continues to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through the newly established First Nations Pathways Working Group consisting of representatives informing the revision of the Centre’s ten-year research strategy.
Looking to 2025–26, the Centre will continue expanding its research program with research utilisation as a key priority.
This will include revising our 10-year Research Strategy to ensure it is future focused and best placed to achieve the Centre’s vision and mission.
I look forward to continuing to work with Participants, researchers and staff to achieve our vital mission. Thank you for your incredible efforts throughout the last year – together we are making real progress toward a safer, more resilient and sustainable Australia.