Recognising outstanding research use

Does your agency make outstanding use of Bushfire CRC research in its business? If so, your agency is eligible for the Excellence in Utilisation of Bushfire CRC Research Award. Nominations for the 2013 award are now open.

This award acknowledges agencies demonstrating effective uptake of Bushfire CRC research in their organisation.

The selection criteria are:

1. A brief description of the prior practice (the practice could be any area of the activity the organisation is involved in).
2. The specific Bushfire CRC research project/s and findings that influenced a change to the business practice.
3. The resultant change in practice, including an outline of the implementation.
4. The benefits of having made the change in practice (provide evidence if possible).
5. A description of what has been done to promote and acknowledge the role of the research in contributing to the improved practice.
6. Potential for extension to national/international application by other agencies or organisations.
7. Any other supporting comments.

Nominations should outline the agency’s achievement against each of the above selection criteria - two pages maximum. Supporting materials may be attached. Applications will be assessed in confidence by the Research Utilisation Manager and tabled at a meeting of the Research Utilisation Committee, with advice provided to the CEO. 

The Excellence in Utilisation of Bushfire CRC Research Award is for agencies, and is specifically focused on Bushfire CRC research utilisation. The award will be presented at this year's AFAC and Bushfire CRC conference in Melbourne. Since 1997 the conference has provided a forum for the presentation of the industry achiever of the year award (the Laurie Lavelle award). In recent years, the Bushfire CRC has presented awards to researchers to recognise their contribution to the Bushfire CRC, while AFAC presents an innovation award to individuals.

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service was the inaugural winner in 2012, recognised for its utilisation of Bushfire CRC expertise in working toward changing workplace culture to become a high reliability organisation. Commendations were awarded to the Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authority (now Department of Fire and Emergency Services), the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and the ACT Parks and Conservation Service for their uptake of Bushfire CRC research.

Applications (signed by the nominating person and the agency CEO/Commissioner) should be submitted to Noreen.Krusel@bushfirecrc.com by 5pm 1 August 2013. Please contact Noreen for any further information.