Defence Rights Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Ana Paula BrandãoView profile

Assistant Professor

University of MinhoPortugal

Ana Paula Brandão is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at the University of Minho's School of Economics and Management (EEG), where she serves as Director of the Master in Political Science program. An Integrated Member of the Research Center in Political Science (CICP), she has held leadership roles across undergraduate and graduate programs while maintaining active research in EU security frameworks and political systems. Her doctoral training culminated in a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Minho, establishing her expertise in European governance structures. Brandão's research centers on Security Studies and European Studies, with specific focus on security theories, European security dynamics, human security frameworks, and the operationalization of CFSP/CSDP policies. She critically examines EU internal security mechanisms, the EU's evolving security actorness, and tensions within the EU political system, particularly regarding the internal-external security nexus and digital transformation's impact on security governance. Her work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy analysis in European contexts. Analysis of her 2020-2024 publications reveals dominant themes in EU security policy adaptation to emerging challenges: artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity dilemmas, maritime security operations (notably Operation Atalanta), and pandemic response mechanisms. Her scholarship frequently employs securitization theory to analyze institutional evolution, emphasizing the EU's normative power and leadership aspirations in global security architecture while addressing internal-external policy tensions. She has coordinated and participated in multiple FCT-funded research projects, contributing to Portugal's academic evaluation landscape through service on FCT panels for PhD and post-doctoral fellowships. Her grant leadership demonstrates sustained engagement with European security research agendas. Brandão maintains significant institutional presence through editorial roles at Conjuntura Global (Brazil), Globo, Nação e Defesa, and Perspectivas; active participation in National Defense Institute (IDN) study groups on European security; leadership in the Portuguese Political Science Association (APCP) as Directive Board member and founder of its European Studies Section; and service on ICPOL's External Assessment Committee.

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Liam BrolanView profile

Lecturer

Birmingham City UniversityUnited Kingdom

Dr Liam Brolan serves as Lecturer in Criminology and Course Leader for the Foundation Year in Sociology and Criminology at Birmingham City University, where he completed both his BA (Hons) and MA in Criminology before joining the department in 2014 as a Visiting Lecturer and transitioning to Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant in 2015 while pursuing his doctorate. His academic credentials include: BA (Hons) in Criminology from Birmingham City University MA in Criminology from Birmingham City University PhD in Criminology from Birmingham City University (thesis: "Making Sense of Murder Abroad: Exploring the Post-Homicide Experiences of Co-Victims of Murder which Occurred in a Foreign Country") Brolan's research centers on victimology with specialized focus on transnational homicide co-victims, evidenced by his doctoral work, while extending to domestic abuse cases, media criminology, and systemic analysis of British criminal justice. His publications critically dissect public misconceptions about crime statistics, prison demographics, and policing practices through empirical data. His 2022 doctoral thesis and 2019 article series reveal consistent thematic patterns across victimology, media representation, and institutional critique, with particular emphasis on disproving popular myths about life sentences, CCTV efficacy, and female incarceration rates through rigorous statistical analysis. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards documented in available sources As Course Leader for the Foundation Year program, Brolan oversees curriculum development and academic progression for incoming students, though no specific grant funding or doctoral student supervision is referenced in current materials.

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Inger ÖsterdahlView profile

Professor

Uppsala UniversitySweden

Professor Inger Österdahl holds a chair in International Law at the Department of Law, Uppsala University , Sweden's oldest institution for higher education. Her work bridges international law with constitutional frameworks, EU law, and digital rights. A 1992 Doctor of Laws graduate, she has held visiting positions at the Max Planck Institute (Heidelberg), University of Minnesota Law School, and Université de Paris II. Current affiliations: Uppsala University, International Law Association (Swedish branch), Swedish National Defence University International experiences: Germany, USA, France, Belgium Österdahl's research examines: Constitutional implications of Sweden's NATO membership UN Security Council's evolving role in conflict Internet regulation's intersection with human rights Swedish military deployments under international law Her publications (2016-2025) analyze legal frameworks for: Transparency and openness Post-conflict justice Collective security dynamics Digital governance She contributes to Nordic Journal of International Law and serves on editorial boards. Österdahl's work frequently addresses the tension between domestic sovereignty and international legal obligations.

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Suzanne Marquette VarrallView profile

Lecturer

University of New South WalesAustralia

Suzanne Marquette Varrall serves as a Teaching Fellow and Scientia PhD candidate with the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Her academic credentials include a Juris Doctor (Distinction) from UNSW, a Master of International Affairs (Distinction) from the Australian National University (ANU), and a Bachelor of Economics/Social Science (First Class Honours) from the University of Sydney. She is admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales. Ms. Varrall's research concentrates on international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and human rights, drawing from her extensive professional background. With over 15 years of experience across government, not-for-profit, and legal sectors, her expertise centers on international affairs and national security. Prior to her academic appointment, she served as Associate Director of the Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law at the Department of Defence (2012-2016) and held various positions at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, including Senior Adviser on Non-proliferation and Disarmament and Adviser on Afghanistan within the National Security and International Policy Division.

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Emma HandslipView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of the West of EnglandUnited Kingdom

Emma Handslip is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of the West of England (UWE), specializing in Criminal Law and Practice. With over 19 years of post-qualification experience as a Solicitor (accredited since March 2006), she brings practical expertise to her academic role. Her responsibilities include: Programme Lead for the Barrister's Training Course Module Lead for Criminal Procedure, Criminal Litigation, and Advanced Criminal Litigation on the Solicitor's Training Course and LLM program Teaching criminal law modules on both postgraduate professional law courses (Barrister's Training Course and Solicitor's Training Course) Her professional background includes: Extensive experience as a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Work as a Criminal Defence Solicitor in both Magistrates and Crown Courts Accreditations: Police Station Representatives Accreditation (since June 2016), Criminal Higher Rights of Audience (since January 2017)

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Roos de WildtView profile

Lecturer

Rotterdam University of Applied SciencesNetherlands

Dr. Roos de Wildt serves as a Lecturer at the Knowledge Center for Talent Development at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, where she focuses on the effective protection of children in unsafe families. She also holds a position as a Senior Researcher at the Verwey-Jonker Institute, conducting practice-based research on domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and sex work. Her work bridges academic research and practical application in the field of child protection and violence prevention. Dr. de Wildt earned her PhD in Criminology from Utrecht University and the University of Hamburg, with research focused on human trafficking during UN peacekeeping missions in post-war Kosovo. Prior to her doctorate, she studied Cultural Anthropology at Utrecht University. Her academic journey has included positions as a lecturer in Cultural Anthropology and Criminology departments at Utrecht University and project coordination at the children's rights organization Defence for Children. Dr. de Wildt's research centers on breaking through violence in dependent relationships, with particular focus on domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Her work emphasizes understanding the perspectives of those directly involved, especially how children and young people can be better involved in the support and protection they need. She approaches these complex issues through qualitative, practice-based research that aims to develop practical solutions for improving safety and protection systems. A recurring question in her work is: "How can we prevent and combat violence in relationships and families, and how can we strengthen safety?" Her research often examines the intersection of policy, practice, and lived experience to develop more effective interventions. Dr. de Wildt's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on vulnerable populations, particularly in contexts of violence and exploitation. Her early work examined post-war prostitution and human trafficking in Kosovo, leading to her 2019 book "Post-War Prostitution: Human Trafficking and Peacekeeping in Kosovo." More recently, her research has shifted toward domestic violence, child protection, and family-focused approaches to intervention. Her 2025 publications reflect current work on the Future Scenario for Child and Family Protection, examining how to improve youth protection systems through action research and pilot projects. Her work consistently applies qualitative methods to understand complex social problems and develop practical solutions. As a senior researcher at the Verwey-Jonker Institute and lecturer at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. de Wildt contributes to both academic knowledge development and practical application in the field. Her inaugural lecture on March 6, 2025, emphasized the importance of creating strong, connected safety nets for children in unsafe homes, noting that "The safety net for children in unsafe homes must be strong and connected, paying attention to every family member, like a strong shoulder that supports them and that they can rely on." Her work often involves collaboration with practitioners, policymakers, and other researchers to bridge the gap between research and practice in child protection and violence prevention. Dr. de Wildt is actively involved in research projects related to the Future Scenario for Child and Family Protection, conducting action research in pilot projects to improve the current youth protection system. Her current work examines the new family-focused approach in various contexts, seeking to develop more effective ways to protect children while supporting entire families. Through her dual roles at the Verwey-Jonker Institute and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, she contributes to both research and education in the field of child protection and violence prevention.

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Antoni Blanc AltemirView profile

Professor

University of LleidaSpain

Antoni Blanc Altemir is Professor of Public International Law and International Relations at the University of Lleida, where he also directs the Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence and the European Documentation Centre. Holder of two successive Jean Monnet Chairs awarded by the European Commission, he is a leading authority on EU external relations, trade policy, post-Soviet affairs, Mediterranean security and international human-rights law. Education Doctor of Law (extraordinary award), University of Barcelona Research interests His research is organised around five inter-connected axes: EU external action – trade agreements, association policy, neighbourhood instruments and multilateral diplomacy. Post-Soviet space – state succession, de-facto states, energy geopolitics and EU–Russia relations. Euro-Mediterranean relations – Barcelona Process, Union for the Mediterranean, migration and security governance. United Nations reform – institutional change, peace and security, human-rights protection mechanisms. International legal theory – universality of human rights, state responsibility, legal history. Publication trends Across more than 150 scholarly works since 1984, recent output (2014-2023) evidences a concentrated focus on EU trade strategy after the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the redefinition of EU–Mercosur negotiations, the legal implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the resilience of universal human-rights norms in a fragmented international order. Scientific awards and distinctions Jean Monnet Chair “EU Promoter of Free Trade and Multilateralism” Jean Monnet Chair “Law and External Relations of the European Union” Jean Monnet Project “Challenges of the European Union: An Approach for Senior Students” Extraordinary Doctoral Award, University of Barcelona Académico de Número, Aragonese Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation Académico Correspondiente, Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation Advising and institutional roles Director, Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence, University of Lleida Director, European Documentation Centre, University of Lleida President, Association for the United Nations in Lleida Member, Federal Council of the Association for the United Nations in Catalonia Guest professor at over twenty universities worldwide, including Bologna, Cambridge, Harvard, and Sciences Po. Laboratories and teams While no formal laboratory is listed, Prof Blanc Altemir leads the Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence at UdL, a multidisciplinary research hub that coordinates EU-funded projects, hosts visiting scholars, and organises international seminars on EU external action and global governance.

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Benjamin ZylaView profile

Professor

University of OttawaCanada

Benjamin Zyla is a Full Professor in the School of International Development and Global Studies at the University of Ottawa, where he directs the Peacebuilding and Local Knowledge Network (PLKN) and co-directs the Gender, Peace, and Development research network. He holds multiple prestigious research fellowships including at the NATO Defence College (2021-2024), Harvard University (2019-2021), and the University of Konstanz (2017-2019). His academic career spans teaching and research positions at institutions including Stanford University, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, and Bielefeld University. Dr. Zyla's educational background includes a PhD in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada (2009), a Master of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University (2003), and a BA in Social Sciences from Uppsala University, Sweden (2002). He also completed studies at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen in Germany. His academic journey was supported by prestigious fellowships including an SSHRC Post-doctoral Fellowship at Queen's University. His research focuses on peacebuilding in fragile and conflict-affected societies, with particular emphasis on collective action problems within international security organizations, post-conflict reconstruction, and the security-development nexus. Dr. Zyla has made significant contributions to understanding NATO burden-sharing dynamics, humanitarian interventions, and the complexities of international peace operations in contexts like Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy implications for global governance and international cooperation. Analysis of Dr. Zyla's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward examining the evolving challenges of international peace operations in a multipolar world. His work increasingly focuses on pragmatic approaches to peacekeeping, the intersection of transitional justice with peacebuilding, and the adaptation of international institutions to geopolitical shifts. A notable trend is his growing emphasis on local knowledge systems and their integration into international peacebuilding efforts, reflecting a critical perspective on top-down intervention models. Young Researcher Award of uOttawa's Faculty of Social Sciences (2017) Dr. Zyla currently supervises graduate students including Madison Fillmore, focusing on topics related to peacebuilding, transitional justice, and international security. His research is supported by significant grants including an SSHRC Insight Grant (2017-2023) on NATO burden-sharing and an SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2015-2018) comparing Canadian and American post-conflict reconstruction approaches in Afghanistan. These projects reflect his commitment to bridging academic research with policy-relevant insights for international organizations and governments. As director of the Peacebuilding and Local Knowledge Network and co-director of the Gender, Peace, and Development research network at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Zyla leads collaborative research initiatives that bring together scholars, practitioners, and community stakeholders. These networks facilitate interdisciplinary research on effective peacebuilding practices, with particular attention to local contexts and gender dimensions in conflict-affected societies.

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Asa McKercherView profile

Associate Professor

St. Francis Xavier UniversityCanada

Dr. Asa McKercher is the Steven K. Hudson Research Chair in Canada-US Relations and Associate Professor in Public Policy and Governance at St. Francis Xavier University. A Cambridge-educated scholar, he previously taught at Queen’s University, McMaster University, and the Royal Military College of Canada. He serves as editor-in-chief of the International Journal and holds senior fellowships at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History and Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy. His research specializes in: Historical and contemporary Canada-US relations Canadian and American foreign policy formulation Cold War diplomacy and security dynamics North American political culture and extremism Transnational racial justice movements Cultural diplomacy and soft power strategies McKercher's publications demonstrate consistent focus on 20th-century diplomatic history, with recurring analysis of Cold War alliances, prime ministerial leadership, human rights diplomacy, and Canada's mediation role in international conflicts. Recent work increasingly examines right-wing movements and the evolution of US global credibility.

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Bessma MomaniView profile

Professor

University of WaterlooCanada

Dr. Bessma Momani is a Full Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Waterloo and serves as Associate Vice-President, International. She is also a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States’ Institute in Washington, DC, and Governor at the International Development Research Centre. Research focuses on disinformation in digital spaces, gender in the economy, and geopolitical security risks. She led the Pluralism Project on Canadian diversity and economic prosperity, funded by IRCC and Canadian Heritage. Previously held roles as Assistant Vice-President, International at Waterloo and non-resident senior fellow at Brookings Institution and Stimson Center. Her recent research explores disinformation on encrypted platforms and its impact on ethnocultural communities. Projects include survey experiments, focus groups, and policy toolkits for mitigating disinformation. She has received multiple SSHRC grants and directed the Department of National Defence's Defence and Security Foresight Group (2019-2022). As a Fulbright Scholar and Trudeau Fellow, her work bridges academic and policy domains.

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James ThorntonView profile

Associate Professor

Nottingham Trent UniversityUnited Kingdom

James Thornton is an Associate Professor in Law, Criminal Justice, and Ethics at the Nottingham Law School , Nottingham Trent University. He teaches criminal law, criminology, and criminal justice to LLB, PGDL, and LLM students, while supervising undergraduate, master’s, and PhD research projects. His empirical research focuses on legal working practices, access to justice, and the impact of legal aid cuts on criminal defence, alongside examining AI’s influence on clinical decision-making. Education: LLB (First Class Honours) from the University of Southampton; PhD funded by a Vice Chancellor/Presidential Scholarship. Research Trends: Recent publications analyze AI ethics in healthcare (2024), criminal legal aid sustainability (2023), and domestic abuse sentencing guidelines (2024). His work bridges law, criminology, and technology, emphasizing empirical methods like interviews and focus groups. Scientific Awards: Vice Chancellor/Presidential Scholarship (University of Southampton). Advising and Collaborations: James supervises students across levels and collaborates with institutions like KU Leuven and Exeter University. His grants include funding from the British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, and ESRC for AI and legal aid research. Labs and Teams: Affiliated with the Centre for Rights and Justice and involved in projects with Adferiad Recovery, a mental healthcare charity, and interdisciplinary teams in computer science and medicine.

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Aleksandra KowalskaView profile

Associate Professor

Maria Curie-Sklodowska UniversityPoland

Aleksandra Kowalska is an Associate Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) and leads the AgriFood Sustainability Lab. She holds a key role in the Department of Microeconomics and Applied Economics within the Faculty of Economics. Specializes in economics and finance with a focus on agri-food systems Conducts interdisciplinary research on food integrity, consumer behavior, and sustainability Her research integrates technology into food supply chain safety and explores EU policy frameworks like the Green Deal. Recent work addresses Brexit's impact on food standards and ransomware threats to supply chains. She has published extensively in journals like Foods and Sustainability , with a total Google Scholar H-index of 16 and 80+ publications. Collaborations span institutions in the UK, Greece, Germany, and the USA. Active in international conferences (e.g., UACES 2024 keynote) Contributes to editorial boards of Scopus/WoS-indexed journals Coordinates EU-focused Erasmus+ programs and international workshops

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Lauren SandersView profile

Academic

Australian National University (ANU)Australia

Dr. Lauren Sanders is an academic with diverse roles across multiple universities, including Adjunct Associate Professor at the TC Beirne School of Law (University of Queensland), Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide Law School, and affiliation with the ANU National Security College. She is also a member of Deakin University’s Centre for Protection of Civilians and serves as Director for the Justice and Accountability Network Australia and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Law and Security. Adjunct Associate Professor, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland Adjunct Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Law School Director, Justice and Accountability Network Australia Director, Asia-Pacific Institute for Law and Security Member, Deakin University’s Centre for Protection of Civilians Her research focuses on weapons law, particularly concerning emerging technologies, and international humanitarian law. She also explores accountability mechanisms, civilian-military relations, and counter-terrorism, with a strong emphasis on legal frameworks governing warfare and technology. Dr. Sanders has contributed to the academic community through her role as editor of the Law and Future of War podcast, engaging experts on law, emerging technologies, and military affairs. Her work spans both academic and practical domains, including long-term engagement with the Australian Defence Force and United Nations consultations.

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Saphia FleuryView profile

Research Fellow

University of HullUnited Kingdom

Saphia Fleury is a Research Fellow at the University of Hull’s Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation. With a 15-year career at Amnesty International before joining academia, her work focuses on climate migration, human rights law, and refugee policy. She holds a PhD in Climate Migration (University of Hull), MA in Human Rights (University of London), and BA in English Literature (University of Hull). As a UN IPCC Expert Reviewer, she advises on climate-related migration frameworks. Her research interests span climate change, environmental governance, and child displacement in contexts like Vietnam and Montserrat. Recent outputs include policy briefings on climate migrants’ rights, submissions to UK parliamentary inquiries on asylum accommodation and defense strategies, and historical analyses of refugee categorization. Her 2023 thesis applied historical precedents to protect climate migrants, while 2024 publications re-examined the Vietnamese boat people crisis as a lens for understanding environmental refugee status. Fleury frequently engages with parliamentary committees, advocating for human rights-centered policies on climate displacement. She contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives at the Energy and Environment Institute and collaborates with international organizations like Anti-Slavery International to address climate-induced human rights challenges.

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Andrew RowlandView profile

Professor

University of SalfordUnited Kingdom

Professor Andrew Rowland OBE is Honorary Professor of Children's Rights, Law, and Advocacy at the University of Salford's School of Health & Society and Officer for Child Protection at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. He holds a PhD in Children's Rights from the University of Salford, Masters in Advancing Healthcare from the University of Manchester, and medical degrees from the University of Nottingham. His portfolio includes roles as Lead Employer Medical Director at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Non-Executive Director of M'Lop Tapang (Cambodia), and Chair of SicKids charity. His research focuses on safeguarding vulnerable children, equal protection laws, and health assessments for marginalized groups. He has led national projects including the co-design of communication tools for identifying at-risk youth and NIHR-funded studies on pediatric early warning systems. His international work includes advising governments on child protection systems and contributing to WHO policies. Recent publications address legislative reforms for child protection, health outcomes in vulnerable populations, and COVID-19 impacts. His research has directly influenced child protection legislation in Scotland and Wales and informed UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health equity and justice. Honors include an OBE for services to child protection, the Pol Roger Prize, and the European Union of Medical Specialists Gold Decoration. He supervises PhD candidates in child rights and safeguarding practice.

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