Our leaders
Our research and education programs are led by an interdisciplinary team with decades of combined expertise across a range of military, political and human rights issues.
Professor Michael Rainsborough is the Director of the Centre. He is a widely published academic whose research interests focus on applying strategic theory to a broad range of military and political issues. His primary interest is in the strategies of violent non-state actors. Michael’s work feeds directly into the Centre’s course syllabi, helping students foster an appreciation of strategic thought principles and practice.
Associate Professor Michael Hatherell is the Deputy Director of the Centre and the Head of Teaching and Learning. He has extensive experience delivering postgraduate courses for defence and government practitioners. His research focuses on the nature of political and strategic competition, especially the role of ideas, information and perception in strategy. He is a specialist in Indonesian politics and foreign policy.
Associate Professor Pichamon Yeophantong is Head of Research and Associate Professor at the Centre. She also leads the Responsible Business Lab and the Environmental Justice and Human Rights Project. In 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council appointed Pichamon as an independent expert, serving as the Asia-Pacific States Member on the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.
Helen Andrew is the Centre’s Manager and Contract Manager. Helen’s 20+ years of experience in education helps shape the Centre's strategy, policy and governance. Helen's passion is building intercultural competence. Her research fosters mutual understanding, encouraging self-reflection and self-awareness, and provides opportunities for staff to build knowledge and skills to operate in culturally diverse environments.
Our teaching and research team
Associate Professor Ahmed Hashim, War Studies
Associate Professor Michael Finch, History of War and Strategy
Dr Jade Guan, Senior Lecturer in International Politics and Strategy
Dr Claire Yorke, Senior Lecturer
Dr Rob Engen, Senior Lecturer in War Studies
Dr Jules Gaspard, Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Technology
Dr Michael Clarke, Senior Lecturer
Dr Liam Kane, Lecturer, Military History
Dr Shannon Zimmerman, Lecturer, Strategic Studies
Dr Emily Tannock, Lecturer, War Studies
Dr Adriano Tedde, Lecturer, Strategic and American Studies
Dr James Brien, Lecturer
Ms Karine Pontbriand, Lecturer, Cyber Security and Strategy
Emeritus Professor, Michael Evans
Our professional team
Bel Corujo, Programs Coordinator
Ken Hauritz, Contracts Coordinator
Forrest Francis, Senior Officer, Learning Technologist
Mark Kennedy, Senior Administrative Officer
Chevaan Aroun, Contracts Administrator
Meriem Tebourbi, Officer, Learning Technology Support
Julie Davies, Programs Administrator
Roya McDermott, Administrative Officer
Centre success
- 627 graduates since 2023
- 16 academic experts
- 523 visiting fellows since 2023
Our courses
Our academic programs include the Master of National Security and Strategy, and Master of Military and Defence Studies. Our aim is to strengthen and support Australia’s defence through education.
Our research
The Centre’s research program enhances and informs Australia’s understanding of security and defence strategy. Our in-house experts achieve this through integrated research and learning programs.
Contact us
Stay in touch to hear more about our news, research programs and more. Have a question? Get in touch with the team.