We are Cicada.
We are a team of social/data scientists and communicators committed to making sure emergency management has the best possible evidence base in a form that can be easily used on the ground.
Between us we have over 100 years research and practical experience across a range of disciplines, including foresight, management, community engagement and public relations.
Some of our team are active emergency managers and volunteers.
We are committed to communicating in plain language the findings of today’s research so it can be used fast and effectively on the natural hazard problems of today and tomorrow.
OUR PEOPLE
Bringing emergency managers and community together
Dr Barbara Ryan
Founder and manager
Barbara Ryan is an award-winning disaster behaviour researcher who specialises in natural hazard community engagement for preparation, and disaster response communication. Before her 20-year career in academia doing research and teaching public relations, she was an in-house and consultant communicator with 20 years’ experience.
She is a fellow of both Communication and Public Relations Australia, and Emergency Media and Public Affairs. She is also a volunteer with her local rural fire brigade and active in getting her community ready for bushfire.
Community engagement and public participation projects make her very happy!
You can see her full list of research here.
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.