We are delighted to invite you to “Flight Forward: Navigating the Path to Wildlife-Aviation Coexistence”, an exciting project funded by the CBCS small grant. This initiative bridges conservation and aviation sectors, exploring innovative solutions to enhance safety and protect wildlife.
Secure your spot soon! Register now.
Join us for two key events that offer insights, collaboration, and networking opportunities.
1. Workshop
This workshop brings together aviation and conservation experts to identify research needs and foster collaboration between sectors. The discussions will explore ways to reduce wildlife strike risks, optimise operational costs, and minimise environmental impacts.
WHEN: November 12, 2:00-4:00pm, followed by networking drinks @ St Lucy Café
WHERE: Room 273, Global Change Institute, UQ St Lucia Campus; Zoom option available.
Speakers include:
Conservation Sector
• Prof. Hugh Possingham (CBCS) – Hugh will kick off the workshop by sharing insights on how conservation and industry can collaborate to foster coexistence and embrace a nature-positive future.
• Rob Ament (IUCN Transport Working Group Co-Chair) – Drawing on over 30 years of experience in ecology and conservation, Rob will present strategies to balance transport infrastructure and biodiversity, with practical insights from international collaborations.
• Sebastian Fester (CBCS) – As a CBCSer and also a pilot with hundreds of flight hours at low altitudes, Sebastian brings firsthand experience mitigating wildlife risks. He will share case studies from Australia and abroad.
• Xu Shi (CBCS) – Xu specialises in leveraging weather radar to study bird migration across Australia. Xu will offer insights into detecting and quantifying bird movements using radar technology and discuss how radar monitoring can help mitigate bird strike risks.
Aviation Sector
• Ash McAlpine (Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group Chair) – With more than 35 years in aviation and safety roles, Ash offers a unique perspective on managing wildlife hazards. He’ll share insights from his roles in air traffic control, airfield operations, and aviation safety committees.
• Dan Parson (Aviation Safety Professional) – With 15 years of airport and aviation experience, Dan will discuss the financial implications of wildlife strikes and how safety regulations play a critical role in preventing them.
• Dr Xiaoyu Wu (Griffith Aviation) – An expert in air traffic control and airport operations, Dr. Wu’s current research focuses on how emerging technologies can improve aviation safety. He will share ideas on managing urban airspace for new aviation technologies.
2. Brisbane Airport Tour
This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour offers a rare glimpse into the operations of Brisbane Airport, including:
- A detailed look at airport operations and logistics
- Insights into the airport’s environmental sustainability initiatives
- A networking morning tea with aviation professionals
WHEN: November 14, 8:00am- 2:30pm
TRANSPORT: Bus departing from UQ campus (limited to 20 participants; registration required).
If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact Shu Chen, Nga Yee Lai, or Sebastian Fester.
Photo credit: created by Shu Chen