Disaster researcher Claire Leppold receives Australasian Women in Emergencies award

Dr Claire Leppold has received an Australasian Women in Emergencies (AWE) award for her pioneering work in emergency management and disaster resilience.

The Senior Research Fellow in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health was recognised for her work helping to shape how Australia and the Indo-Pacific prepare for and recover from compound climate disasters.

Dr Leppold received an Outstanding Recognition Award for Research, Policy, and Practice (Knowledge Development and Advancement).

Professor Sant-Ryan Pasricha, Head of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, spoke of Dr Leppold’s commitment to furthering Australia’s disaster resilience.

“Developing solutions that address climate change mitigation and adaptation is crucial to ensuring the survival of our planet,” he said.

“Dr Leppold’s dedication as a researcher working in emergency management and disaster resilience speaks directly to the University of Melbourne’s enduring purpose to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.

“Congratulations to Dr Leppold for your enduring work and dedication over many years, which is benefitting our society.”

The awards recognise women who are leading in research, policy, and practical applications for emergency management and disaster resilience.

Dr Leppold’s co-leads the Foundations in Disaster Recovery course and supported Indigenous leaders to share their expertise.

Her research-to-practice leadership is building lasting resilience across communities and agencies.