Mike Flannigan

Dr. Mike Flannigan is a Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta and Director of the Western Partnership for Wildland Fire Science. His research focuses on wildland fire-climate interactions, lightning-ignited fires, landscape fire modeling, and boreal forest ecosystem vulnerability. He holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Manitoba, MS in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University, and PhD in Plant Sciences from Cambridge University.

• Education:
  • BSc (Physics), University of Manitoba
  • MS (Atmospheric Science), Colorado State University
  • PhD (Plant Sciences), University of Cambridge

His work addresses global fire patterns, climate change impacts on fire regimes, and fire management strategies. Notable contributions include leadership roles with the IPCC, US National Assessment on Global Change, and global fire databases.

Recent research highlights fire-weather interactions, boreal peatland vulnerability, and Arctic tundra fire dynamics. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles and received awards for editorial leadership and wildfire communication during the 2016 Fort McMurray disaster.

• Key Awards:
  • Service Award (International Association for Wildland Fire, 2008)
  • University of Alberta Service Award (2016)
  • Natural Resources Canada Award (1997)

Flannigan collaborates internationally on fire policy, climate adaptation, and wildfire-smoke health impacts. His research informs fire management practices across Canada and globally, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ecosystem resilience.