Rory Medcalf

Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA has served as Head of the National Security College (NSC) at The Australian National University since 2015. A prominent strategic analyst with over 30 years of multidisciplinary experience spanning diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, academia, and journalism, he has led the NSC's transformation into Australia's premier institution for executive development, policy impact, and Indo-Pacific security research.

His career highlights include founding the Lowy Institute's International Security Program (2007-2015), serving as senior strategic analyst at the Office of National Intelligence, and diplomatic postings to New Delhi and Japan. As a thought leader on Indo-Pacific strategy, he authored the influential 2020 book Contest for the Indo-Pacific (translated into Japanese/Chinese), which shaped regional security discourse.

Key research areas focus on Australian national security policy, maritime security, nuclear stability, and Indo-Pacific strategic imagination. Recent publications emphasize preparedness models (especially Finland's 'comprehensive security'), critical infrastructure protection, and managing China's rise through multilateral frameworks.

Scientific awards include:

• 2022 Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
• 2022 Japanese Foreign Minister Commendation
• 2023 Fellow of Australian Institute for International Affairs (FAIIA)

He maintains significant policy advisory roles, including Australia's ASEAN Regional Forum expert register membership and scientific advisory positions with Finnish Institute for International Affairs. His work bridges academic research, government strategy, and international dialogue through track 1.5/trilateral partnerships with India, France, and Japan.