Justin Leonard is a recognised leader in bushfire urban design research in Australia, focusing on how bushfire risk to life and infrastructure can be managed.

His research team combines learnings from bushfire exposure experiments with post bushfire survey investigations and computer modelling of bushfire interaction with buildings.

Recent activities include the development and delivery of an accreditations course on bushfire risk assessment with Melbourne University, providing technical support for the Victorian Community Bushfire Refuge Program, developing the bushfire risk mapping framework for Queensland and assisting various individuals and industry groups develop novel building design solutions and related standards.