Invited Speaker | From prediction to protection: Operational AI for coastal risk and public safety in Australia

18 Aug 2026
AFAC | Plenary 3
Artificial intelligence is increasingly moving from research environments into operational public safety systems. This talk explores how AI can support environmental hazard forecasting, coastal risk awareness, and community safety through real-world, end-to-end deployable systems developed in collaboration with operational stakeholders.

Drawing on projects, including AI systems for Coastal Erosion, rip current detection, marine stinger forecasting, and coastal hazard intelligence, the session will discuss both the opportunities and challenges of operational AI in dynamic environmental conditions. It will highlight the importance of trustworthy AI, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible deployment when developing systems that directly affect community safety and risk management.

The session will also examine how AI can help emergency management and public safety organisations transition from reactive to more proactive and data-informed approaches to environmental risk and preparedness in a changing climate.
 
Speakers
Mandana Ghanavati
Dr Mandana Ghanavati, Senior Research Fellow and Data Scientist, UNSW Sydney