We are Cicada.
We are a team of social/data scientists and communicators with over 60 years collective experience in preparedness, response and recovery in government, emergency agencies and not-for-profits. We are committed to making sure you have the best possible evidence base and can measure the real outcomes of your work.
We have trained emergency communicators and built capacity across teams, systems, strategies and plans. Our disinformation work has been presented at:
the 2026 Emergency Media and Public Affairs conference as a workshop
the 2026 NSW Rural Fire Service Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness Conference
the 2026 Emergency Management Conference Victoria
Dr Ryan will also present at AFAC2026.
We are committed to communicating in plain language the findings of today’s research so it can be used fast and effectively on organisational problems of tomorrow.
OUR PEOPLE
Bringing research to cutting edge practice
Dr Barbara Ryan
Founder | Manager | Researcher
Dr Barbara Ryan is an award-winning disaster behaviour researcher and communicator with 40 years of experience spanning journalism, consulting, in-house communication and academia.
She specialises in drawing on the latest research and translating it into practical, usable approaches for organisations and communities. Her special interest is how she can translate research from across the sciences and social science for emergency management.
A Fellow of both Communication and Public Relations Australia and Emergency Media and Public Affairs, Barbara brings rare depth: 20 years as a practitioner followed by 20 years researching and teaching what works and why.
She also walks the talk — as a volunteer with her local rural fire brigade, she is actively helping her own community prepare for and cope with bushfire.
Rebecca Riggs
Facilitator | Commmunicator
Rebecca Riggs is a senior communication and facilitation specialist with 15+ years of experience across government, emergency services, corporate and not-for-profits.
She has worked extensively with disaster-affected communities across Australia, supporting cyclone, flood and public health emergency response and recovery. Her trauma-informed, collaborative approach helps communities and organisations navigate uncertainty and disruption.
Rebecca designs and delivers workshops and training for groups of 15 to 250, across Australia and internationally — translating complex strategy and policy into practical, usable skills. Whether advising leaders in crisis or facilitating a room full of strangers, she brings both rigour and humanity.
Dr Sarah Muller
Social Researcher
Sarah Muller is a social science researcher specialising in the intersection of human values, worldviews, communication, and community engagement. She has also been working in the area of foresight with world leader in this field, Professor Luke Van Der Laan and teaching the new generation of leaders in this field.
Her work explores how belief systems and societal narratives shape collective decision-making, resilience, and social change. With over 20 years experience in community development and stakeholder collaboration, Sarah advocates for values-driven, inclusive approaches to social impact. Deeply passionate about social justice and futures thinking, she loves working on projects that make a real difference and bring people together for positive community impacts.
Our
Values
Transparency
It all begins with an idea. We can uncover the knowledge around a concept so you can be confident you are making evidence-based decisions.
We can also build communication around that information so everyone in your agency has the same opportunities to contribute their skills, talent and knowledge.
Innovation
The best ideas come from good intelligence.
The best innovations come from being able to apply that intelligence.
We can help you build this innovative base.
Compassion
Emergency management is founded on doing the best for our communities.
Cicada Research and Communication is built on empathy, compassion and desire to help reduce the trauma and effect of disasters.
Respect
The best teams hold each other in mutual regard. They also work easily across organisational boundaries because of this respect.
Good communication and common understanding of a problem or opportunity is our most valued tool.