Emerging researchers showcase innovative ideas for disaster resilience in the October 2025 Hazardous Webinar, with this year’s finalist teams tackling one of Australia’s biggest disaster resilience challenges – infrastructure of all types.
Each team presented their unique approaches, emphasising collaboration and practical application to enhance disaster preparedness and response infrastructure, followed by a conversation with Natural Hazards Research Australia’s Science and Innovation Director, Prof Cheryl Desha to connect how each innovative idea can be actualised.
This year’s Disaster Challenge prompted participants to explore how to innovate infrastructure—be it physical, social, or green—to enable effective community-led disaster resilience.
From verge to vital: People-powered green spaces for climate and disaster resilience
PhD students Evelyn Liew, Anjalee Panditha and Sebastian Bernal Garcia from Griffith University presented their idea of transforming urban infrastructure to reduce flood risks in Queensland, where flooding is becoming more frequent due to urbanisation and climate change.
Their pitch championed nature-based solutions by converting hard surfaces into bioretention areas like native gardens to absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. Collaboration between communities and local governments was key to repurpose underutilised spaces into multifunctional landscapes, supported by an app called Our Verge that encourages community participation in maintaining green spaces and monitoring environmental data.
A digital twin for real time flood insights
Ryan Turner from RMIT University pitched his innovative concept for a digital twin providing real-time flood insights through a virtual replica of physical environments integrated with live data from sensors. This interactive 3D platform would allow users to visualise flood risks, access historical data and make better decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
Designed as an open-source tool, the technology could be easily adapted for use across different regions in Australia, encouraging collaboration and broad application. Ryan emphasised the importance of breaking down data silos to improve community awareness and preparedness for future flooding events.
Thriving coastal futures in southern Tasmania
Dr Malcom Johnson from Huon Valley Council and Bianca Suarez from the Australian National University, members this year’s winning team Thriving coastal futures in southern Tasmania, pitched their idea of addressing coastal erosion through a community-led, transdisciplinary approach. Their idea empowers local residents through citizen science activities building their ownership and agency in tackling coastal challenges. Combining blue-green infrastructure with social and governance frameworks, the team developed a holistic, cost-effective alternative to traditional hard infrastructure like seawalls. They also highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of coastal erosion, emphasising the importance of integrating local knowledge and collaboration to create more resilient coastal communities.
What is next for our finalist teams?
Across the board, collaboration, technology and nature-based design emerged as powerful drivers of resilience infrastructure.
By connecting research with real-world applications, these ideas showcase the next generation of innovation shaping Australia’s disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Looking to the future, it is clear that integrating these ideas into practice will be crucial for enhancing resilience against natural hazards.
Are you interested in collaborating with any of the finalist teams? Email mailto:research@naturalhazards.com.au.
Watch the webinar recording below.