A young scientist who has worked to improve disaster resilience in the Asia-Pacific region has been nominated for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education.

Macquarie University social scientist Katharine Haynes is Australia’s nominee for the $25,000 prize, which will be announced in the Philippines in August.

Dr Haynes’ work focuses on community and youth-based disaster risk reduction and communication, and using science to improve policies and organisational procedures.

Her research spans the range of natural disasters including bushfires, cyclones, floods, tsunami and volcanic eruption.

Two nomination program runners-up, CSIRO researcher Jaclyn Brown and University of Newcastle lecturer Hannah Power, were recognised for their scientific excellence and commitment to improving resilience.