Dr Filip Slaveski is a Senior Lecturer in Russian/Soviet and East European History at the School of History, The Australian National University. He specializes in Soviet Empire studies, focusing on mass conflict, food crises, political control, and their contemporary echoes. His work examines Ukraine, Russia, and post-WWII dynamics, particularly Soviet governance and post-war reconstruction. Slaveski holds a PhD in History and has published extensively on Soviet famines, post-war Ukraine, and Soviet-German occupation policies. His notable works include Remaking Ukraine after WWII (2021) and The Soviet Occupation of Germany (2013). He has received funding through ARC DECRA grants and contributed to major projects on Soviet famines and post-war recovery. Research Interests: Soviet Union, Ukraine, Conflict Studies, Famine, Repression, Nationalism. Grants: ANU Futures Scheme (2023–2026) and The Last Soviet Famine Project (2021–2025).
Dr. Hamish Ford is a Senior Lecturer in Screen and Cultural Studies within the School of Humanities, Creative Industries, and Social Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He serves as the discipline liaison for Screen and Cultural Studies and has held significant leadership roles including Deputy Head of School: Teaching and Learning (2020-2023) and Program Convenor for the Bachelor of Arts (2016-2019). PhD, University of New South Wales Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Western Sydney Dr. Ford is globally recognized for his expertise in post-war European modernist cinema and the relationship between film and 20th Century European philosophy. His research spans cinematic time and negativity, cinema and postcolonialism, and the intersection of European philosophy with film studies. He has published extensively on Ingmar Bergman, Ousmane Sembène, and Jean-Luc Godard, with his 2012 book Post-War Modernist Cinema and Philosophy: Confronting Negativity and Time receiving significant acclaim. His current research focuses on Bergman studies, with two major projects underway: co-editing The Companion to Ingmar Bergman (2024) and authoring History, Power, and Negation in Ingmar Bergman's 1960s Chamber Film Series (2025). Analysis of Dr. Ford's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on European modernist cinema, particularly Bergman's work, alongside growing attention to postcolonial and world cinema. His scholarship demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between film studies, philosophy, and cultural theory, with recurring themes of negativity, time, and historical representation. The geographic scope of his research has expanded from primarily European cinema to include significant work on African, Iranian, and East Asian cinema. Co-editing The Companion to Ingmar Bergman (2024), featuring 32 essays from leading Bergman scholars worldwide Sole-authored book History, Power, and Negation in Ingmar Bergman's 1960s Chamber Film Series (2025) Multiple refereed journal articles on Ousmane Sembène's Moolaadé and Jacques Rivette's Out 1 Editorial work on a special journal issue about the global reception of Ingmar Bergman's cinema Dr. Ford has successfully supervised six PhD students to completion and currently supervises four more. His grant funding totals $28,700 across nine grants from 2008-2016, primarily supporting conference travel and research projects on film modernism. He has been instrumental in developing the University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Arts Online program, creating and teaching three screen studies courses on the FutureLearn platform. His teaching consistently receives high student satisfaction scores, well above school and university averages, with multiple nominations for 'best lecturer' awards.
Professor Sheila Fitzpatrick is a leading historian of modern Russia and the Soviet Union, currently based at the Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences at Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Melbourne. She previously held distinguished academic positions in the United States, including Bernadotte E. Schmitt Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, before returning to Australia in 2012. She holds full HDR supervision accreditation and is actively engaged in research on Soviet and transnational history, migration, and life writing. Research Interests: Her work spans transnational history , social history of the Soviet Union , migration and displacement , life writing and autobiography , and Russian music . She emphasizes the lived experiences of individuals under Stalinism and explores the movement of people across political and cultural borders during and after WWII. The most recent publications and projects reflect a strong focus on Soviet displaced persons, repatriation, anti-communism in Australian immigration policy, and Cold War transnational histories. Her articles over the past decade reveal consistent engagement with themes of identity, memory, migration, and state surveillance. Scientific Awards and Honors: Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction (2016) for On Stalin’s Team American Historical Association Award for Scholarly Distinction (2012) Elected Fellow, Australian Academy of Humanities (1996) Elected Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2005) John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship (1988) MacArthur Foundation Research & Writing Award (1987–8) Grants and Supervision: She has been a Chief Investigator on multiple ARC Discovery Projects, including studies on Russian immigrants in Cold War Australia and postwar displaced persons. She serves as a full HDR supervisor and has mentored numerous scholars through collaborative research. Her editorial roles include long-term service on the Journal of Modern History and several international journals in Soviet and Russian studies. Public Engagement: She is actively involved in public history, contributing to London Review of Books , The Guardian , and The Conversation , and participating in writers’ festivals, radio interviews (ABC, BBC), and public lectures across Australia, the US, Europe, and Asia.
Professor Sheila Fitzpatrick is a leading historian of modern Russia and Soviet social/cultural history, affiliated with the Department of History at the University of Sydney . She focuses on Stalinist-era society, transnational migration, and Cold War displacement, particularly Russian migration to Australia. Education: BA (Melbourne), DPhil (Oxford) Key Research: Soviet social identity, post-WWII repatriation, cross-cultural encounters, and archival research. Recent Publications (2021–2022) span Soviet repatriation efforts, Cold War migration, and concise historical narratives. Themes include displacement, refugee policies, and Soviet-Australian relations. Scientific Awards : Prime Minister’s Literary Award (2016), American Historical Association Award (2012), Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship (2002), and ARC Discovery Grants (2012–2019). Grants : ARC-funded projects on postwar Russian displaced persons and Soviet Stalinism research.
Professor Andrekos Varnava is a distinguished historian specializing in imperialism, colonialism, and the British Empire, currently serving at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. He holds the position of Professor in the Department of History within the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, where he has served as Teaching Program Director for History, Archaeology, Indigenous & Australian Studies, and Geography (2021-2023) and previously as Research Section Head for History and Archaeology. Varnava received his academic training with a BA (Honours First Class) from Monash University in 2001, followed by a PhD in History from the University of Melbourne in 2006. His educational background established the foundation for his expertise in British imperial history, particularly focusing on Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. Professor Varnava's research interests span imperialism and colonialism, the rise and fall of the British Empire, war and society in the modern world, the Great War, the history of terrorism, genocide and ethnic cleansing, the Ottoman Empire, the modern Mediterranean, the Armenian Genocide, and the Cyprus "problem." His work frequently examines the intersections between colonial administration, migration patterns, and cultural identity formation in imperial contexts, with particular attention to Cyprus as a case study of British imperial rule. His scholarship challenges conventional narratives while incorporating transnational perspectives that connect Mediterranean, British imperial, and Australian histories. His extensive publication record reveals a consistent focus on British imperialism in Cyprus, refugee and migration histories, and the social impacts of war. Recent works demonstrate increasing attention to the connections between colonial histories and contemporary issues such as tobacco control, surveillance of ethnic communities, and the legacies of imperial border controls. His scholarship often bridges historical research with public health studies and migration policy analysis. Professor Varnava has received numerous honors including: Royal Geographical Society of SA G. W. Symes Award (2025) Election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society for Arts, UK (FRSA) (2023) Flinders Most Supportive Supervisor (joint winner, 2021) HASS Award for Research Excellence (individual, 2021) Election to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society, UK (FRHistS) (2014) Australian Academy of the Humanities Travelling Fellowship (2012) As an academic leader, Varnava has secured significant research funding including a $566,400 ARC Linkage grant (2022-2025) on "Cancer culture: understanding anti-cancer campaigns in Australia" and a $206,531 ARC Discovery Project (2018-2021) on "Managing migrants and border control in Britain and Australia, 1901-1981." He serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History (from 2025) and has co-organized several international conferences on British imperial history. His media engagement as an expert on Cyprus, British imperialism, and Mediterranean history demonstrates his commitment to public scholarship. Professor Varnava maintains active research collaborations through his role as Honorary Professor at De Montfort University, Leicester (since 2018), and through international conference organization. His recent work shows increasing interdisciplinary reach, connecting historical research with public health studies, migration policy analysis, and cultural studies.
Adjunct Associate Professor Ian Kemish AM is a former senior Australian diplomat and current academic at the University of Queensland's School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry , focusing on Southeast Asia and Pacific history, Australian consular service evolution, and German political dynamics. He serves as Chair of UQ's Vice Chancellor’s ChangeMakers Alumni Initiative. High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ambassador to Germany Head of PM's International Division Distinguished Advisor, ANU National Security College His research interests span Papua New Guinea political development , Australian diplomatic history , and Indo-Pacific security . Recent publications examine Bougainville independence, German foreign policy shifts, and China's Pacific engagement. Scientific Awards: Order of Australia (AM) for Bali Bombs response UQ Alumni Excellence Award 2014 Fellow, Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences
Professor Gary Magee is a leading academic in economic history at Monash University's Department of Economics within the Faculty of Business and Economics. He holds concurrent roles as a Research Affiliate at the Australian National University's Centre for Economic History and has previously served as Director of the Asian Economics Centre (University of Melbourne), Head of La Trobe University's School of Economics and Finance, and Deputy Dean (Research) at Monash. Education: B.A. History (Monash University), First-Class Honours in Economics (La Trobe University, D.M. Myer Medallist), PhD (Nuffield College, Oxford as a Commonwealth Scholar). Research Focus: Economic history, political economics, authoritarian societies, innovation, globalisation. Awards: Fellowships from the Academy of Social Sciences (Australia) and Royal Historical Society (UK). Visiting Roles: Held fellowships at institutions including the University of Oxford, Russian Academy of Sciences, King's College London, and China Development Institute. Publications span monographs like Palgrave Studies in Economic History , contributions to Cambridge Economic History series, and top journals including Economic History Review and Journal of Economic History .
Sarah Gleeson-White is an Associate Professor in English at the University of Sydney. Her research explores intersections between U.S. literature, silent film, modernism, and African American studies, with a focus on authors like William Faulkner and Carson McCullers in cinematic contexts. Research interests include: U.S. literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries Silent film and 'race' films Modernism and media ecology African American studies and intertextuality Authors' roles in Hollywood's studio era Recent projects highlight her work on photoplay editions, literary-film collaborations, and archival rediscoveries like Ralph Barton's Camille . Her scholarship emphasizes how early cinema reshaped literary culture through authorship, stardom, and print media. Scientific awards : 2022 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Research Mentoring Award She supervises PhD and master's students in American literature and film, and her editorial roles include co-editing the Book Reviews section of The Space Between Journal and serving on the Faulkner Society's advisory board.
Dr. Svetlana Tyulkina is an Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales' School of Global and Public Law, affiliated with the Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law. She joined UNSW in 2011 after completing her PhD at Central European University, where her thesis, Militant Democracy , explored the regulation of undemocratic political movements. Her research focuses on comparative counter-terrorism law, constitutional frameworks, and legal education innovations. She co-directs the Public Law Teaching Project and contributes to the Legal Education Research Group, emphasizing oral competencies, vulnerability pedagogy, and AI integration in legal curricula. Her notable work includes the book Militant Democracy: Undemocratic Political Parties and Beyond (2015), which examines militant democracy doctrine globally. Her scholarship bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical policy implications, particularly in countering extremism while safeguarding democratic values. She has published widely on preventive detention orders, political party prohibitions, and human rights in counter-terrorism contexts. Teaching responsibilities include courses on federal constitutional law, global law contexts, and foundational public law principles. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, blending constitutional law with pedagogical advancements to address modern legal challenges.
Dr. Alexey Muraviev is an Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies at Curtin University's School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry (Faculty of Humanities). He leads the Strategic Flashlight forum and previously served as Academic Lead of Curtin's Defence strategic initiative. His expertise spans Russian defense policy, maritime security, and Asia-Pacific geopolitics. Education: Bachelor of Arts with 1st Class Honours (Social Sciences), Curtin University (2000) Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science), Curtin University (2005) Research Interests: Focus on maritime security (modern naval power, maritime terrorism), Russia's strategic policy and military modernization, Russia's role as a Pacific power, alliances in the Asia-Pacific, and future warfare trends. Key projects include studies on the Russian Pacific Fleet, Russian defense modernization in the Far East, and maritime terrorism. Media and Awards: Multi-award-winning analyst, with accolades including the 2019 Globelynx Award for International Media Engagement and multiple Curtin Media Commentary awards. Regular contributor to BBC, CNN, and The New York Times. Recognized as an ARC 'Expert of International Standing' (2007-2010). Teaching: Postgraduate courses on Russian/Eurasian Studies, Indian Ocean security, and strategic geography.
Dr David Brophy is a Senior Lecturer in Modern Chinese History at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the China Studies Centre. He holds an ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellowship for his project on 'Empire and Religion in Early Modern Inner Asia.' His research focuses on the social and political history of China’s northwest, particularly Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and its connections with the Islamic and Russian/Soviet worlds. Brophy completed his MA and PhD at Harvard University before joining the University of Sydney in 2013. Research Interests: History of Qing and Republican China Early Modern Eurasia Colonialism and National Movements Islamic Studies (Sufism) Teaching: Courses include 'China in the Nineteenth-Century World,' 'Modern Chinese History,' and 'Beyond the Great Wall: China’s Frontiers.' He supervises research on modern Chinese history, Xinjiang politics, and Eurasian empires. Awards: ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellowship (2017–present) Labs/Teams: Active member of the China Studies Centre. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary geopolitical discourse, evidenced by his media engagement on Sino-Australian relations.
R Spencer Haines is a Research Affiliate at the Australian National University's Mongolia Institute within the School of Culture, History & Language, College of Asia and the Pacific. Concurrently, he serves as a senior career foreign policy officer with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), bringing decades of diplomatic experience in Mongolia and fluency in Russian, French, and Mongolian. His academic credentials include: PhD in Mongol History, Australian National University Master of International Affairs specializing in Central Asian Studies, Australian National University Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Peace & Conflict Studies, University of Waterloo Dr. Haines' research centers on Mongolian and Central Asian history, with emphasis on Oirat peoples, 20th-century independence movements, and 21st-century Mongolian politics. His expertise spans the Altai region, Western Mongolia, Eastern Kazakhstan, and Xinjiang, contributing to Asian History and History of the Mongol Empire. He is a member of the International Association for Mongol Studies. His 2015-2022 publications critically analyze the Zunghar Khanate through military, political, and archaeological lenses, challenging nomadic-sedentary dichotomies and examining charismatic leadership. These works integrate history, political science, and archaeology to illuminate Central Eurasian dynamics.
Dr Paul Rickard-Ford is a Senior Lecturer and Chair of the Piano Unit at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The University of Sydney. He holds a BMus from Melbourne Conservatorium, ARCM from Royal College of Music, and a PhD from the University of Adelaide on Schumann’s late piano works. His career spans international performances, recordings, and teaching, marked by awards such as the 2017 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 1988 Australia Achiever award. His pedagogical philosophy emphasizes 'Freedom and Control' in piano technique and creativity. Research interests include Romantic piano repertoire, performance practice, and pedagogy. He has recorded extensively, including Liszt’s Annees de Pelerinage and Schumann’s late works. Collaborations with Natalia Sheludiakova include world premieres like Carl Vine’s Piano Sonata for Four Hands . His students excel in global competitions, with notable wins in Sydney International Piano Competitions (2012, 2016). He tours Asia annually for masterclasses and performs on ABC Classic FM. Publications include Dr Paul's Treasure Chest | Book 1 (2018) and a chapter in Australian Pianists: A Cross-section of Performers (2010). Awards also include the Clarke Scholarship (London) and Dannreuther Prize for concerto performance. His academic roles involve examiner duties for AMEB and guest lecturing on piano pedagogy.
Dr. Evgeny Sorkin is a Lecturer in Violin at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney. A renowned Russian-born violinist, he combines an active performance career with teaching, emphasizing technical mastery and injury prevention. His international accolades include 1st Prize at the 2002 Togliatti Violin Competition and a medal from the Union of Russian Composers for promoting contemporary music. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Sydney (first recipient) Moscow State Conservatory, cum laude Australian National Academy of Music Research Interests: Focuses on Russian violin pedagogy traditions, performance physiology (e.g., EMG studies in violinists), and chamber music interpretation. Advocates for tension-free technique and historically informed performance practices. Actively promotes 20th/21st-century compositions through performances with Brevis Trio and collaborative projects. Performance Highlights: Over 15 countries toured, including venues like Amsterdam's Concertgebouw and Moscow's Conservatory Grand Hall. Soloist with International Holland Music Sessions since 2006. Awards & Recognition: 1st Prize (2002 Togliatti) 2nd Prize (2003 Caltanissetta) Recognition Medal (Union of Russian Composers) Teaching & Grants: Developed injury-prevention methodologies for violinists. Collaborates with sports scientists on biomechanics studies. Active in chamber music pedagogy. Labs/Teams: Member of Brevis Trio; collaborates with Sydney Conservatorium's interdisciplinary performance initiatives.
Anna Popova is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education within the Faculty of Education and Arts. Her research focuses on early childhood education, cultural-historical activity theory, and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) pedagogy. She has explored topics such as democratic discourses in higher education, teacher empowerment through action research, and the integration of digital technologies in language teaching. Her work spans multidisciplinary areas including education policy, sociology, and legal frameworks. Recent studies involve sociocultural transformations, AI ethics, and innovative enterprise practices. Though no formal awards or student advisees are listed, her publications reflect a commitment to advancing educational methodologies and addressing contemporary challenges in pedagogy and policy. Research affiliations: School of Education Key research themes: Cultural-Historical Activity Theory , Teacher Education , Technology Integration in Education Her articles address diverse fields such as medical case studies, business innovation, and legal modernization, suggesting interdisciplinary engagement. While education remains central to her work, she also contributes to discussions on AI ethics, digital music’s sociocultural impact, and Soviet-era technological history. Advising and grants: No formal advisees or grant details provided in the text. Collaborative work is evident through co-authored publications with researchers in medicine, law, and engineering. Labs/teams: No specific laboratory or team affiliations mentioned.
