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Professor Douglas Guilfoyle is a Professor at UNSW Canberra within the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, where he joined in 2018. He is a 2022-2025 Australian Research Council Future Fellow working on "Small States' use of law of the sea litigation against greater powers" (FT210100186). He is also a non-resident fellow at the Sea Power Centre - Australia and was a Visiting Legal Fellow at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2018-2019). Professor Guilfoyle's educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy (International Law), University of Cambridge, 2007 Master of Laws (International Law), University of Cambridge, 2004 Bachelor of Arts (Hons I) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) Australian National University, 2000 Professor Guilfoyle's research focuses on maritime security, the international law of the sea, and international and transnational criminal law. His particular areas of specialism include maritime law-enforcement, the law of naval warfare, international courts and tribunals, and the history of international law. His work examines how small States use UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) dispute settlement mechanisms to gain political advantages in conflicts with greater powers. His research crosses over from the maritime domain to international criminal law generally, including questions of the effectiveness of international criminal tribunals and the law of superior responsibility. He has made significant contributions to understanding counter-piracy efforts, maritime interdiction operations, and the protection of submarine cables in the context of modern security challenges. Professor Guilfoyle's recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward examining the intersection of emerging technologies and maritime law, particularly regarding autonomous vessels. His work also shows a deep engagement with the strategic use of international law by small states, maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and the evolving role of international courts and tribunals in resolving complex maritime disputes. His scholarship consistently bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical security concerns. Professor Guilfoyle has received several prestigious awards and fellowships: 2022-2025 Australian Research Council Future Fellow Gates Cambridge Scholar, 2004-2007 British Council Chevening Scholar, 2003-2004 British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship, 2012-2013 Professor Guilfoyle has secured significant research funding including an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship ($948,000, 2022-2025) for his project on "The use of strategic law of the sea litigation by small States against greater powers," and an Australian Research Council Discovery Project ($158,000, 2020-2023) on "Legal Regulation of Marine Autonomous Vehicles." His research is informed by extensive consultancy work with various government and international organizations. Prior to joining UNSW Canberra, he held academic positions at Monash University and University College London, and has practical legal experience as a judicial associate in the Australian Federal Court and as a commercial litigation solicitor in Sydney. Professor Guilfoyle is a frequent contributor to leading international law blogs such as EJIL:talk and Opinio Juris, demonstrating his active engagement with the international legal community and current developments in the field.

• Maritime Security
• International Law of the Sea
• International Criminal Law
• +6 more

Dr. David Brewster is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Security College, Australian National University, specializing in Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific maritime security. He also holds a Distinguished Research Fellow position at the Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne. His work focuses on India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific, Sino-Indian naval dynamics, and regional security cooperation. Brewster frequently participates in international security dialogues and contributes to policy-oriented publications. He has authored influential books like *India’s Ocean* and edited volumes such as *India and China at Sea*, examining geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. His research integrates geopolitical analysis with maritime security challenges, emphasizing multilateral partnerships to address emerging threats. Qualifications include a PhD from ANU, LLM from Columbia University, and legal/economics degrees from the University of Sydney. Brewster’s expertise spans Indian Ocean security, Indo-Pacific strategy, and defense diplomacy. Key projects include analyzing Australia’s strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean and trilateral partnerships with India and France. He advocates for enhanced maritime surveillance, capacity-building in island states, and addressing geoenvironmental security challenges in the region. Recent publications explore Australia’s strategic posture, AUKUS cooperation with India, and China’s naval ambitions. Brewster’s work underscores the need for adaptive strategies in a multipolar Indo-Pacific, leveraging academic research to inform policy decisions on maritime security and geopolitical stability.

• Indian Ocean security
• Indo-Pacific maritime security
• India's security and defense relationships
• +3 more

Tim Stephens is Professor of International Law at The University of Sydney Law School. He specializes in international law of the sea, environmental law, and Antarctic governance, with appointments to international arbitration panels related to environmental protection. Key research domains: International ocean governance and UNCLOS implementation Climate change impacts on maritime boundaries Antarctic Treaty System under geopolitical pressure International environmental dispute resolution Recent publications analyze climate change adaptation in marine law, ocean acidification governance, and legal innovations for environmental protection. His advisory roles include: Arbitrator under the Antarctic Environmental Protocol Expert for the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation Past President of Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law

• International Law of the Sea
• International Environmental Law
• Climate Change Law
• +3 more

Millicent McCreath is a Scientia PhD Candidate and Teaching Fellow at UNSW Law & Justice. She holds a BA (Environmental Studies) and LLB (Hons) from UNSW, an LLM (Law of the Sea) from the University of Tromsø, and a GDLP from ANU. Her doctoral research focuses on marine environmental protection, state responsibility, and dispute settlement. She was a Research Associate at the National University of Singapore’s Oceans Law and Policy Programme (2017–2019) and remains affiliated as a Global Associate. Her work addresses law of the sea issues in the Asia-Pacific, including climate change litigation and marine governance. Notable roles include serving as Tipstaff to Justice Pain of the Land and Environment Court of NSW (2016) and being admitted as a solicitor in NSW. Her research interests span Law of the Sea, Public International Law, and International Environmental Law. Key publications include analyses of dispute resolution mechanisms, marine environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. She has presented globally, focusing on topics like advisory opinions in international courts and coastal state obligations. McCreath received the Rhodes Academy’s best written exam prize (2017) and has contributed to edited volumes on high seas governance and climate change litigation. Her affiliations include the UNSW Environmental Law Group and collaborations with international institutions like the Centre for International Law in Singapore.

• Law of the Sea
• Public International Law
• International Dispute Settlement
• +3 more

Dr. Alexander E Davis is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at The University of Western Australia, specializing in Political Science and International Relations. He holds an MA in History from the University of Tasmania and a PhD in International Studies from the University of Adelaide. Prior to his current role, he held research postdocs at the University of Johannesburg and La Trobe University. Academic Appointments: Senior Lecturer (2021–present), The University of Western Australia Education: MA in History, University of Tasmania; PhD in International Studies, University of Adelaide Davis’s research engages with international relations through historical, critical, and postcolonial lenses, with a geographic focus on South Asia. His primary work examines the geopolitics and ecology of the Himalayas, including the books India and the Anglosphere: Race, Identity and Hierarchy in International Relations and The Geopolitics of Melting Mountains: An International Political Ecology of the Himalaya (Palgrave, 2023). Secondary interests include the role of the Indian diaspora in Australia-India relations and the feasibility of decolonizing Australia’s international relations. Recent publications include analyses of transboundary environmental challenges, border disputes in the Himalayas, and decolonial frameworks in IR. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals for environmental sustainability and peace-building. Scientific Awards : School of Social Sciences Commendation for Early-Career Research Award (2023) School of Social Sciences Commendation for Teaching Excellence Award (2023) The Boyer Prize (2022) As Head of the Australian Himalaya Research Network and a foundation member of New International Histories of South Asia, Davis bridges academic and policy domains. He also served as a Non-Resident Fellow at the National University of Singapore (2021–2022) and contributed to consultancy projects on Himalayan policy for India (2023–2025).

• International Relations
• Political Ecology
• Postcolonial Studies
• +7 more

Dr. Yucong Wang is a Lecturer at the School of Law and Justice, University of Newcastle, specializing in international law with a focus on foreign investment law, space law, and the Law of the Sea. Her research addresses regulatory tensions between state sovereignty and private investment rights, emphasizing sustainable development and public interest in areas like environmental protection and human rights. She holds a Doctor of Law from Kyushu University and has taught at the University of Wollongong before joining Newcastle in 2023. Education: LLB (China University of Political Science and Law, 2011), LLM (Leiden University, 2012), LLM (Kyushu University, 2015), LLD (Kyushu University, 2018) Teaching: Course coordinator for Contracts I (2023–2025) Her research explores topics such as indirect expropriation in investment treaties, maritime boundary disputes, and legal frameworks for space resource governance. Recent work includes analysis of China’s territorial claims in the Gulf of Tonkin and the role of social workers in safeguarding elderly welfare in civil litigation. She co-leads projects on space law and lunar mining governance, supported by grants including a CSIRO pre-seed funding (2025) and internal university grants (2024). Grants: $23,500 total funding across four grants focusing on space policy, human rights, and legal education Supervision: Currently co-supervising two PhD candidates on flag state responsibility and lunar mining governance Dr. Wang contributes to interdisciplinary teams addressing global legal challenges, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, through her work on environmental law, outer space regulations, and equitable investment frameworks.

• International Law
• Foreign Investment Law
• International Economic Law
• +4 more

Lowell Bautista is an Associate Professor at the School of Law, University of Wollongong, and a staff member of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) within the Faculty of Business and Law. He specializes in Law of the Sea, maritime boundary disputes in the Asia-Pacific, and South China Sea governance. His expertise spans international humanitarian law, environmental law, and maritime security. He holds degrees from the University of the Philippines, Dalhousie University (Canada), and the University of Wollongong. Education: BA in Political Science (cum laude) and LLB from the University of the Philippines, LLM in Marine and Environmental Law from Dalhousie University, and PhD in Law from University of Wollongong. Research interests include territorial and maritime disputes, legal implications of naval warfare, and ocean governance. He advises governments and institutions on maritime law and has contributed to policy frameworks for offshore resources management. He currently edits Marine Policy (Associate Editor) and Asia Pacific Journal of Ocean Law and Policy (Executive Editor). Recent publications focus on legal challenges in maritime autonomy, Timor Sea diplomacy, and Philippine maritime sovereignty. His work bridges legal theory with geopolitical strategy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. He supervises PhD candidates on topics like South China Sea naval law and offshore petroleum management. Grants include the 2022-2023 DFAT-funded Maritime Consultancy project. His advisory roles extend to confidential legal opinions for governments and private entities in maritime boundary delimitation and resource disputes. Labs/Teams: Active member of ANCORS, collaborating on projects related to ocean resources and security.

• Law of the Sea
• Maritime Boundary Disputes
• International Law
• +5 more

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.

• International Law
• Sources of International Law
• Backlashes Against International Law
• +6 more

Dr. Jiye Kim is a Lecturer at the School of Political Science and International Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at The University of Queensland. Her research focuses on international relations, security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific, and the intersection of business and security in global strategies. Security Alignment in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond International Security and Business in Space and Beyond Multi-Country and Multi-Lingual Approaches in Research Methods Her publications address critical issues in Indo-Pacific security, territorial disputes, and power dynamics. Recent works examine threat perception variations, China’s South China Sea strategy, and Australia-South Korea relations. Dr. Kim is available for supervision of higher degree research candidates and can be contacted via jiye.kim@uq.edu.au .

• Security Alignment in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond
• International Security and Business in Space and Beyond
• Multi-Country and Multi-Lingual Approaches in Research Methods
• +1 more

Rebecca Monson is a Professor at the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy, working part-time since 2014. She holds a BA(Hons I) in Geography (Monash), LLB (Hons I) (Monash), and a PhD (ANU). Her research focuses on social difference, natural resource governance, and justice systems in Australia and the Pacific, with particular emphasis on climate displacement, land tenure, and gender relations. She led the development of Solomon Islands' relocation guidelines (2022) and authored the award-winning book Gender, Property and Politics in the Pacific (2023). She advises international organizations on climate adaptation, resource governance, and justice systems. Her academic roles include former Deputy Associate Dean (Research) and Director of Higher Degree Research at ANU Law. She sits on the ANU Pacific Institute and Australian Association for Pacific Studies boards. Her ARC DECRA grant supports research on Pacific women’s movements and natural resource rights. Key projects include the Solomon Islands Displacement and Relocations Project (2010–2011) and Resilience and Vulnerability in Property Systems (2013–2019). Her research spans climate mobility planning, legal pluralism, and transnational feminisms. Recent work includes analyzing Pacific climate justice frameworks and adaptive governance strategies. Collaborations with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and UN agencies inform her applied research on rule of law and disaster risk reduction. Education: Monash University (Geography, Law), ANU (PhD) Key Awards: 2023 Australian Legal Research Award Professional Experience: Legal practice in emergency services, Bushfire CRC researcher, Van Vollenhoven Institute RA Her advising and grants include projects on customary justice systems and climate resilience. Current active project: Navigating justice systems: how Pacific women secure their property rights (2021–2025).

• Natural Resource Governance
• Climate Adaptation
• Gender Studies
• +4 more

Michael White OAM KC is an Adjunct Professor at the TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, with expertise in maritime and offshore law. He holds a B.Com and LLB from the University of Queensland, Grad.Cert.Higher Ed, PhD (Bond), and LLD (Queensland). Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (2016) for contributions to maritime law and naval history. White's research addresses maritime boundary disputes, offshore oil regulation, marine pollution liability, and admiralty jurisdiction. Key publications analyze the Timor-Leste maritime boundary dispute, South China Sea navigation rights, and legal responses to marine pollution incidents. He founded the Centre for Maritime Law (now Marine & Shipping Law Unit) and has published extensively on Australian maritime jurisprudence. His scholarship demonstrates consistent engagement with practical legal challenges in marine resource management and incident response. Recent work examines cargo loss liability frameworks and contemporary interpretations of admiralty jurisdiction.

• Maritime Law
• Legal History
• Offshore Regulation

Danielle Smith is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Blue Economy CRC, affiliated with the Centre for Policy Futures at The University of Queensland's St Lucia Campus. Her work focuses on legal and policy frameworks for offshore wind energy development in Australia. Specialist in international environmental legal institutions Expertise in marine protected areas (MPAs) and biodiversity governance Pioneer in marine spatial planning and environmental impact assessments Smith's research bridges scientific and legal perspectives, particularly examining anthropogenic and climatic impacts on offshore marine environments. Her career spans 7 years in ocean governance and over 15 years as a marine environmental consultant, including significant work in the offshore oil and gas industry before transitioning to renewable energy research. Her publications address critical topics such as: Climate change mitigation through MPAs Antarctic marine resource management High seas governance frameworks South China Sea geopolitical dynamics Coastal infrastructure development As a multidisciplinary researcher, Smith combines environmental science with international law to develop sustainable governance models for emerging marine industries.

• International Environmental Law
• Ocean Governance
• Marine Protected Areas
• +6 more

Denise Fisher is a Visiting Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies within the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University. A former Australian diplomat with thirty years of service, she served as political and economic policy analyst in Rangoon, Nairobi, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, and Washington DC, and was appointed Australian High Commissioner in Harare (1998-2001) and Australian Consul-General in Noumea, New Caledonia (2001-2004), covering French Pacific territories. She is currently writing on France in the South Pacific and authored France in the South Pacific: power and politics (2013). Her educational qualifications include: Masters of Philosophy, Australian National University (2012), focusing on France in the South Pacific Masters in International Public Policy, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University (1992) Fisher's research centers on Pacific geopolitics, examining decolonization processes, French sovereignty, and independence movements in New Caledonia. Her work analyzes the interplay between local autonomy demands and French geopolitical strategy within the Indo-Pacific context, emphasizing postcolonial tensions and self-determination struggles. She integrates diplomatic history with contemporary policy challenges, particularly regarding referendum outcomes and legislative interventions. Analysis of her 2019-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on New Caledonia's political trajectory, with increasing attention to regional implications. Her scholarship bridges academic rigor and policy relevance, frequently addressing sovereignty disputes, electoral dynamics, and the impact of French legislative actions on Pacific stability. Recent work highlights escalating divisions following Paris's imposition of electoral reforms and connects local crises to broader Indo-Pacific strategic competition. As an active contributor to policy discourse, Fisher publishes regularly in outlets like The Interpreter (Lowy Institute) and The Strategist (Australian Strategic Policy Institute), translating complex geopolitical analyses for diplomatic and strategic audiences. Her commentary often appears alongside French-language publications in Le Monde , reflecting transnational scholarly engagement.

• Pacific Studies
• French Foreign Policy
• Decolonization
• +2 more

David Letts is Associate Professor and Director of both the Military Law Program and the Centre for Military and Security Law at ANU College of Law. A Royal Australian Navy veteran with 30+ years' service, his research examines legal regimes in military operations. Academic credentials include specialized studies in law of naval warfare, maritime security, and international humanitarian law. Research expertise covers: Legal frameworks for naval mines and unmanned maritime systems Maritime counterterrorism and law enforcement Rules of engagement for naval operations Military justice and discipline systems Peacekeeping operational law Recent publications address evolving state practice in maritime law, autonomous naval systems, and conflict prevention in contested waters. Works demonstrate applied legal analysis grounded in military experience. Professional contributions include: Member of International Institute of Humanitarian Law (San Remo) Australian Red Cross IHL Committee member Regular media commentator on military legal issues

• Law of Naval Warfare
• International Humanitarian Law
• Maritime Security
• +3 more

Professor Elaine Baker holds the UNESCO Chair in Marine Science at the University of Sydney and directs the GRID-Arendal office, a UNEP collaborating center. She specializes in marine governance, environmental policy, and sustainable development, focusing on continental shelf delineation, mercury pollution, and waste management. Her work bridges academia with global policy, contributing to UN reports like the GEO-6 and leading initiatives such as the Pacific Maritime Boundaries project. She has advised on maritime boundary disputes, mine safety protocols, and coral reef conservation. Key roles: UNESCO Chair, Director (GRID-Arendal), Lead Author (GEO-6 Report) Research interests: Climate change, ocean governance, mine tailings safety, and coral reef resilience Global collaborations: UN Environment Programme, Pacific Islands States, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Her research emphasizes real-world impact, including policy frameworks for waste management and coastal ecosystem preservation. She co-founded the Pacific Maritime Boundaries initiative, aiding over 60 nations in maritime jurisdiction claims. Awards include the 2015 Australian Financial Review Women of Influence recognition. Recent work focuses on coral reef island stability under climate threats, mine tailings safety databases, and the human health dimensions of environmental degradation. She collaborates on interdisciplinary projects through the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, integrating GIS and marine data analysis into education and policy. Grants and projects: UN Environment’s Global Environmental Outlook for Cities, Basel Convention guidelines, African Development Bank wastewater studies Labs/teams: GRID-Arendal research unit, Pacific Shelf Programme, Global Tailings Review advisory panel

• Marine Science
• Environmental Policy
• Ocean Governance
• +6 more