Imogen Saunders

Dr. Imogen Saunders is an Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law and Director of the Centre for International and Public Law. Her expertise spans international law, sources of law, and backlash against global legal frameworks. She holds a PhD from ANU (2013) and dual undergraduate degrees from UWA. Saunders leads the ARC Discovery Project on populism and international law, with notable publications including General Principles as a Source of International Law (Hart, 2021), which influenced ICJ submissions. Her research integrates doctrinal analysis and archival work, focusing on women’s contributions to international law and emerging legal challenges like climate change and pandemic governance. Saunders teaches international law, trade law, and advises PhD candidates in public international law. She actively engages in policy commentary through platforms like The Interpreter and The Conversation, addressing issues such as space law and trade disputes.

Her research collaborations include the University of Maryland and Indiana University’s Backlash Against International Law project. Saunders has presented globally, including at the Lauterpacht Centre (Cambridge) and the London School of Economics. Awards include the 2024 ASIL Certificate of Merit and the Joseph Fletcher Prize for her work on Sarah Wambaugh, an overlooked figure in international legal history.