Students and professionals from across Australia will use behavioural economics skills to help fight fire ants at the annual QUT Nudgeathon competition this month.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is partnering with the QUT-led ARC Training Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption on the intensive two-and-a-half-day event. Scheduled for 22-24 September, it will focus on encouraging community participation in Australia’s largest biosecurity effort.
Fire ants pose a serious threat to Australia’s health, environment, economy and outdoor way of life. Detection, reporting and participation in eradication treatment efforts are all critical to achieving the goal of eradicating fire ants by 2032.
Using behavioural science principles, teams must develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to:
- build community trust in fire ant surveillance and eradication treatments
- encourage community advocacy, participation and action
- improve understanding of treatment safety and environmental impacts of fire ants.
Participants will present their ideas to an expert judging panel drawn from academia, government and industry. Winning teams will be announced on the final day, with their proposals presented to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program for consideration and potential use in future community engagement and behaviour change initiatives.
QUT ARC BITA event lead Dr Stephen Whyte, a Senior Research Fellow with the School of Economics and Finance, said Nudgeathon offered participants the opportunity to apply their skills to a nationally significant challenge.
“It’s a high energy event that supports the next generation of behavioural economics and biosecurity experts to put their skills, knowledge and creativity to the test in a real-world setting, working alongside current policy makers,” Dr Whyte said.
“Behavioural science can help identify the factors that influence the decisions people make and develop practical ways to encourage positive action.
“This year’s teams will be challenged to find new ways to build trust, improve understanding and inspire greater community participation in the effort to eradicate fire ants.”
Director Customer Experience and Engagement at the National Fire Ant Eradication Program Emily Clasby said community participation was critical to successfully eradicating fire ants.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas participants develop to help inspire action and build trust,” Ms Clasby said.
“It’s not every day you get the opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s largest biosecurity initiatives. We’re excited to see the fresh thinking and practical solutions that emerge from the competition.”
For more information or to register a team, visit Nudgeathon — ARC BITA.
Main image: Extreme close-up of fire ant. Photo: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver
QUT Media
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
