Media releases

International earthquake experts to take on environmental disasters

18 April 2011

Experts in earthquakes and tsunamis from Australia and Indonesia are meeting at the Australian Academy of Science today to explore how the two nations might collaborate to tackle global environmental problems and natural disasters.

“The recent disaster in Japan has highlighted how crucial it is for the international community to have a better understanding of earthquakes, tsunamis and other catastrophic environmental events,” said Australian Academy of Science President, Professor Suzanne Cory.

“Scientists are keen to work together across national boundaries to enhance understanding of how and why these large-scale natural disasters occur, and to explore ways to better protect both the natural world and the human habitat.”

The 14 senior researchers come from a range of environment-related disciplines, including geothermal science, earthquakes and tsunamis, marine biology and oceanography.

Today’s gathering is part of a range of activities organised under the Treaty for Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological Development, signed by Australia and Indonesia in Jakarta in 2005.

“Both nations have held a number of symposia and workshops to strengthen bilateral scientific research and identify opportunities for further collaboration,” Professor Cory said.

The program of workshops and symposia is being coordinated by the Australian Academy of Science, on behalf of the Federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) and the Indonesian Ministry of Research and Technology (RISTEK).

“Science is becoming increasingly global,” Professor Cory said.

“With international collaborations such as this, we can build knowledge more effectively and tackle global problems more efficiently.”

The 2011 Australia-Indonesia Environmental Science Workshop is being convened by Indonesia’s Professor Syamsa Ardisasmita and Professor James Fox of the Australian National University, at the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome.

Note to media: Representatives of the Australian and Indonesian scientists are available for interview. Please arrange via Kylie Walker (below).