The Bushfires Data Quest 2020 research sprint is now underway
The Bushfires Data Quest 2020 research sprint is now underway, with expert teams taking on the challenge to use machine learning and satellite data to improve detection and enable better responses to bushfire in Australia.
The Bushfires Data Quest 2020 aims to bring together the best scientific minds in bushfire research, machine-learning and earth-observation. Four interdisciplinary teams are participating in an intensive research sprint, applying modern data-science and machine-learning techniques to:
Accurately predict fuel loads across Australia
Detect fires earlier
Better predict fire behaviours
Advances in any of these areas has the potential to make communities safer by assisting conservation authorities and emergency services to more effectively prevent and respond to bushfires.
Data Quest 2020 is the inaugural event in Australia and is based on a successful formula used for interdisciplinary research in the United States and Europe. The 2020 event is supported by the Minderoo Foundation as Challenge Partner, with further support from the New South Wales Government. Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Recovery, John Barilaro in conjunction with Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres announced the NSW Government’s support for Data Quest for the formal opening of the research sprint in a separate statement. The 2020 Challenge is also supported by a number of academic and industry research partners.
Data Quest Lead Dr Cormac Purcell welcomed this support and recognition of the work to better help understand and mitigate bushfires.
“The Bushfire Data Quest is our first local event and aims to do great science by connecting brilliant minds to big questions,” said Dr Purcell.
“By drawing on a wide range of experience, skills and viewpoints, the teams will naturally create better outcomes. We harness the best practices from the private, academic and non-profit sector to accelerate research for the benefit of all humanity.
“The immediate research sprint is only a small part of why we are organising the Data Quest. We also want to build a long-term, resilient and friendly network of interdisciplinary scientists in Australia and New Zealand. We are better together, especially when our shared connections inspire us to new achievements and support us to get there.”
Adrian Turner CEO of the Minderoo Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Resilience Program (MWDRP) said that Minderoo Foundation is excited to be the Challenge Partner of the Bushfire Data Quest 2020.
“Minderoo Foundation has been working on the ground in fire affected communities this year which has really demonstrated the potential of collaboration and innovative thinking to help make communities safer,” said Mr Turner.
“I’m thrilled that we can support the collaboration between interdisciplinary experts working on innovative approaches to improved detection and response to bushfire, making a significant contribution to a more resilient Australia.”
Results
Results from the Bushfires Data Quest 2020 will be showcased on 16 September 2020. Anyone can register to join us at https://dataquest2020showcase.eventbrite.com
Further information about Data Quest
The Data Quest methodology
The Data Quest is an accelerated applied research methodology to develop proof of concept bushfire applications in a very short period of time. It focuses on delivering a significant utility and (perhaps, most importantly) a deep development and advisory bench around the opportunity - establishing a strong foundation to take results to deployment.
The role of ML discovery in the Data Quest
A key principle of a Data Quest is that the outcome is clearly established as an explicit need with (1) clear boundaries (2) definition of beneficiaries and (3) the data required. The reason for embarking on ‘the Quest’ is therefore well understood, however the way to get there; the Machine Learning pipeline -remains to be defined and most importantly, validated.
About DataQuest and Trillium Tech
Data Quest is a public/private partnership bringing together brilliant organisations from academia, government and the private sector led by Trillium Tech Pty.