Lecture by Dr. Tariq Maqsood »Natural Hazards, Vulnerability and Risk Research in Australia«
On 22.09.2025, the Chair of Advanced Structures at Bauhaus University Weimar hosted a guest lecture by Dr. Tariq Maqsood (RMIT, Australia) on the theme “Natural Hazards, Vulnerability and Risk Research in Australia”. In his presentation, Dr. Maqsood provided an overview of ongoing and recent research into how built environments are exposed to natural hazards, how vulnerability is assessed and modelled, and how these insights inform mitigation and policy.
Dr. Maqsood highlighted Australia’s exposure to floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and storm surges, and explained how vulnerability of the built environment is studied through building typologies, fragility curves, and cost–benefit analyses of mitigation strategies. He shared examples from Australian case studies, showing how research helps guide urban planning, insurance, and emergency management. The lecture concluded with reflections on future challenges posed by climate change and the importance of international collaboration in resilience research. During his visit, Dr. Maqsood also reconnected with former colleagues and explored opotrunities for international collaboration, ranging from joint research projects to student exchanges.