New HDR candidates and ARC-funded researchers are expanding the BNHRC’s climate and weather capability, with work spanning extreme rainfall, flooding, drought and nature-based solutions. AI image via Adobe Stock / TheWaterMeloonProjec Earlier cohorts of climate Master's students, such as Sylvia Wang, had the chance to talk about their work at the 20206 AMOS conference Higher Degree Research students funded via the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and

As BNHRC research moves further into its delivery phase, expert commentary is helping connect bushfire science with real-world preparedness, response and land management. Image: Unsplash / Andrew Tom In December 2025, bushfires burned in NSW, Tasmania and Western Australia, while from January 2026 we saw fires extend into Victoria and South Australia. This difficult season tragically resulted in five deaths, more than 900 structures destroyed and hundreds of thousands of hect

From laboratory studies to field applications, BNHRC smoke research is helping shape practical resources to support firefighter safety and air-quality management. Above: UOW scientist deploying an open path FTIR spectrometer to measure smoke composition at hazard reduction burns in NSW. Thanks to BNHRC scientists, emergency management agency representatives now have a stronger understanding of the chemical composition of bushfire smoke in NSW. The next phase of the research w

WSU's Dr Willow Forsyth facilitates (Image: J Weir) Community Leaders meet to workshop their experiences Jessica Weir, Willow Forsyth, Fiona Miller, Mel Taylor, Bhavya Chitranshi, Pip Collin Disasters are hyper-local. They happen in specific places, to specific people, and to their homes, infrastructure, environments and neighbourhoods. Local communities, as first responders, are thrust into making decisions and mobilising capabilities, sometimes forming community organisatio

The end of 2025 saw a swathe of events and conferences, with BNHRC researchers adding to the silverware cabinet as well as publishing and presenting on ongoing research work.     Public commentary on bushfires and climate risk   BNHRC Director A/Prof Rachael Nolan, Deputy Director Prof Rachael Gallagher and Node Leader Dr Chris Gordon (all WSU) published an article in The Conversation , explaining emerging bushfire and climate risks in the wake of major incidents this fire s

Dr Chantelle Doyle in the ABC newsroom. Image supplied. BREAKING NEWS: In October 2025, BNHRC researchers Dr. Chantelle Blachut and Dr. Chantelle Doyle  spent two weeks at ABC Radio National alongside some of the country's best specialist journalists and producers. Drs Blachut and Doyle now report.... “Way back in June we both received a phone call from the wonderful Simon Nicholas, telling us that we had been selected as TWO of the ABC Top 5 for 2025 ! “Unsure if the panel

Smoking ceremony. Image courtesy of Jagun Alliance / Coedie McCarthy Hazard science is at its strongest when shaped by deep cultural knowledge, lived experience and the relationships that make both possible. In September 2025, Bundjalung Country (northeastern NSW) saw a significant gathering between Indigenous Knowledge Holders, NSW government end-users and BNHRC researchers. Over three days, the workshop set out to reset long-standing dynamics and reshape how research, knowl

Learning in relation with people, plants and the land: digging for bitterroot ( Lewisia rediviva ) with Bert William, Elder and Senior...

Accurately predicting fuel loads — the amount of vegetation available to burn — is one of the most important tools fire managers have to...

Presentation by Dr Chantelle Blachut (UNSW), National Science Week, 12 August 2025 Other videos from National Science Week (in order of...

Presentation by Dr Assaf Inbar (WSU), National Science Week, 12 August 2025 Other videos from National Science Week (in order of...

Presentation by Vanessa Cavanagh (UoW), National Science Week, 12 August 2025 Other videos from National Science Week (in order of...

Presentation by Dr Max Desservettaz (UoW), National Science Week, 12 August 2025. Other videos from National Science Week (in order of...

Preparing to film for National Science Week (Philip Sen/WSU) From cultural burning to cutting-edge computer modelling, BNHRC experts are...

A comprehensive poster display provided talking points and opportunities networking (Image: Philip Sen/WSU) More than 100 academic...

The BNHRC Environment Node has developed a new database which will improve our understanding of how plant species respond to fire events....

Climate change is reshaping storms and floods in ways we’re only beginning to understand. But with cutting-edge climate modelling, BNHRC...

­­David Bee Olmedo BNHRC Climate and Weather Masters student David Bee Olmedo has been on an exchange visit with the University of...

Prof Clare Murphy showcases instruments to local Mob. (Kat Haynes/DCCEEW) The BNHRC aims to blend university research with traditional...

A proud Bundjalung man from the NSW north coast area, Prof Sharples’ passion for understanding the natural world led him to mathematics....