Jason Sharples is a mathematical scientist and internationally recognised expert in dynamic bushfire behaviour and extreme bushfire development at UNSW ADFA as well as an experienced firefighter. He has led several Australian Research Council (ARC) and Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) projects and is involved in international wildfire research projects. His research is focused on extreme bushfires are a worsening global problem. The combination of climate change and urban expansion means that large bushfires are more likely to grow into large conflagrations that result in fatalities, destroy property and infrastructure, and have further environmental and socioeconomic impacts. He is addressing this problem through the use of sophisticated mathematical and computational models to better understand the dynamic behaviour of bushfires, how they propagate in complex landscapes and their likelihood of developing into destructive 'firestorms'.