Evidence for educators: professional development program for teachers

Next semester's program coming soon

Please note: Participants are not required to attend all sessions and may register for any of particular interest.

The Evidence for educators program by the ANU National Security College (NSC) aims to enhance teacher knowledge by providing secondary school teachers with up-to-date and accurate information on strategic issues of importance to young Australians.

Our goal is to increase awareness and understanding of national security issues among educators and, by extension, students. This program, delivered by nationally and internationally recognised experts, offers an accessible and engaging way for teachers to fulfil their PL requirements.

This program is a TQI Accredited Professional Learning Program (TQI Number 009795). To claim attendance the time as Accredited PL, ACT participants must attend the session in person.

Topics include critical issues in national security and other issues affecting Australia and the world preparing teachers for the difficult conversations with students about future challenges. Proposed topics include:

• Climate change
• Tech changing the world
• China and Australia
• The Ukraine War – how it is changing our world
• The social media ban and online risks
• What’s happening in space and how it affects you
• Drugs, vapes and security
• Youth crime and detention
• How would war in our region affect us?

It will equip teachers with the tools to foster critical thinking and informed discussions among students, and help teachers meet their annual Professional Learning (PL) requirements through accessible in-person or online content.

These sessions are free of charge with in-person sessions in the ACT and an online option available for those interested to join virtually.

Upcoming sessions

26 February – Climate Change: Science, Impacts, and Action

Climate change is no longer a distant scenario—it is a defining force shaping Australia’s environment, economy, and strategic future right now. In this session, Professor Mark Howden brings clarity to the latest climate science and explains what it means for Australia in the critical decades ahead. Drawing on his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and decades of research at the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, Prof Howden offers a grounded, practical assessment of where the world is heading and what choices still matter.

Why students should care:

• Climate change affects every aspect of Australian life—from food security and infrastructure to national security, biodiversity, and energy systems.
• Understanding climate risk is now essential for informed citizenship, future career pathways, and Australia’s economic and policy decisions.
• The next 10–20 years are pivotal. Actions taken today will shape environmental stability, national resilience, and prosperity for generations.

Topics covered:

• The state of the climate in 2026: what the latest data tells us about temperature trends, extreme events, and global emissions trajectories
• Impacts on Australia: heatwaves, bushfires, drought, coastal threats, agriculture pressures, and implications for communities
• Adaptation in practice: how Australia is preparing for a warmer world, and where adaptation is urgently lacking
• Mitigation pathways: the role of renewable energy, land management, technology, and policy in reducing emissions
• What informed citizenship looks like: how students can critically assess climate claims, policies, and solutions

Session Leader:

Emeritus Professor Mark Howden AC FTSE FAA is a Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and was until recently the Director of the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions and Chair of the ACT Climate Change Council. He contributes to several other major national and international science and policy advisory bodies.  Mark has worked on climate variability, climate change, innovation and adoption issues for almost 40 years in partnership with many industry, community and policy groups via both research and science-policy roles and is a high-profile public communicator. He helped develop the national and international greenhouse gas inventories that are a fundamental part of the Paris Agreement and pioneered sustainable ways to reduce emissions. He has been a major contributor to the IPCC since 1991, with a record number of roles across all four dimensions of the IPCC: climate science, impacts and adaptation, mitigation and GHG inventories, sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with other IPCC contributors and Al Gore.

5 March – Democracy under pressure: a conversation for educators

Around the world, democratic systems are under strain—from declining public trust and rising misinformation to increasing polarisation and unprecedented technological disruption. Australia is not immune. In this session, Tom Rogers, former Australian Electoral Commissioner, will explore the pressures facing democratic institutions and what they mean for educators shaping the next generation of informed citizens. Drawing on his leadership of the AEC through multiple federal elections and his expertise in electoral integrity, civic education, and public trust, Rogers brings a unique practitioner’s perspective to one of the defining challenges of our time.

Why students should care:

• Democratic literacy is essential for navigating an era of misinformation, social division, and rapid technological change.
• Understanding how elections work—and why trust in them matters—is critical for active, informed participation in civic life.
• Today’s students will inherit a political landscape where democratic norms can no longer be taken for granted. Knowing how to recognise threats and uphold democratic values is a foundational skill.

Topics covered:

• The state of democracy in 2026: global and Australian trends shaping public trust, engagement, and institutional resilience
• Electoral integrity under pressure: misinformation, disinformation, cyber risks, and the growing complexity of safeguarding elections
• The role of education: equipping students to critically assess information, understand democratic processes, and recognise credible sources
• Technology and democracy: how AI, social media, and digital campaigning are reshaping political communication and voter behaviour
• Building civic confidence: practical strategies for teachers to foster informed, respectful, and engaged classroom discussions

Session Leader:
Tom Rogers served as the Australian Electoral Commissioner from 2014 to 2024, overseeing multiple federal elections and leading nationwide efforts to strengthen electoral integrity, accessibility, and public trust. Under his leadership, the AEC became a global reference point for best‑practice election administration, particularly in combating misinformation and engaging younger voters. Prior to his role at the AEC, Rogers held senior positions in the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force Academy, bringing deep experience in leadership, governance, and public service. He continues to contribute to national conversations on democracy, civic education, and institutional resilience.

25 March – Radicalisiation, young people, and the online environment: Insights for Educators

Across global and national contexts, radicalisation has become an increasingly complex and dynamic challenge—shaped by geopolitical tensions, digital ecosystems, identity‑based movements, and rapidly evolving extremist narratives. Australia continues to face risks from both online and offline pathways to radicalisation, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and emerging hybrid forms of radical thought.

In this session, Dr Levi West, one of Australia’s leading scholars in national security and counter‑terrorism, will unpack the contemporary drivers of radicalisation and what they mean for schools, teachers, and young people. Drawing on his extensive experience in intelligence, extremism research, and government advisory roles, Dr West offers a clear and actionable framework for understanding how radicalisation occurs—and how education can play a crucial role in prevention.

Why students should care

• Young people are frequent targets of extremist messaging, online recruitment, and identity‑focused narratives amplified through digital platforms.
• Understanding how radicalisation works helps students recognise manipulation, build resilience, and critically evaluate persuasive or harmful content.
• Extremist narratives thrive in environments of mistrust and polarisation—equipping students with critical‑thinking and media‑literacy skills is essential to combating these influences.
• Recognising early warning signs of harmful ideological shifts can support safer school communities and empower students to contribute to social cohesion.

Topics covered

• The landscape of radicalisation in 2026: key Australian and global trends influencing extremist movements, recruitment pathways, and youth vulnerability.
• Online ecosystems and extremist content: how social media, encrypted platforms, gaming communities, and algorithmic amplification shape exposure and engagement.
• Psychological and social drivers: identity, belonging, grievance formation, and how personal experiences can intersect with extremist narratives.
• Hybrid and emerging extremist ideologies: conspiracy‑driven movements, lone‑actor radicalisation, and the blurring lines between political, social, and religious motivations.
• The role of education: strategies for fostering critical literacy, digital resilience, and healthy identity development in young people.
• Prevention and early intervention: practical tools for educators—what to look for, how to respond, and how to build partnerships with families and communities.

Session Leader

Dr Levi West is a leading Australian expert in national security, counter‑terrorism, and extremism studies. He formerly directed the Terrorism Studies program at Charles Sturt University and has served as an adviser and trainer to law enforcement, government agencies, and international partners. With deep expertise in radicalisation processes, extremist ideologies, and cyber‑enabled recruitment, Dr West is widely recognised for translating complex security concepts into accessible, evidence‑based insights for educators and practitioners. His work focuses on prevention, resilience‑building, and the social dynamics that shape extremist influence in contemporary society.

22 April – What Russia wants and why young people should care

Russia remains one of the most consequential—and often misunderstood—actors in global affairs. Its ambitions, anxieties, and strategic behaviour continue to shape geopolitics across Europe, Eurasia, and the Indo-Pacific. As the war in Ukraine grinds on, internal political dynamics shift, and Russia deepens ties with authoritarian partners, understanding Moscow’s worldview is essential for anyone seeking to make sense of international politics in the 2020s.

In this session, Margaret Twomey, former Australian Ambassador to Russia and one of the country’s leading experts on Russian strategy and foreign policy, will provide a clear and grounded explanation of how Russia sees itself, what it wants, and why its choices matter far beyond its borders. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, intelligence briefings, and engagement with Russian political, military, and civil society actors, Twomey offers rare insight into a nation that is often discussed but seldom deeply understood.

Why students should care

Russia influences the stability of the world students will inherit. Its decisions on war, energy, nuclear weapons, and alliances have direct consequences for global security, economic resilience, and democracy.

Understanding Russia improves global literacy. Russia’s political structure, strategic culture, and historical narrative challenge many Western assumptions about how nations pursue power and define their interests.

Young people are entering an era shaped by shifting great-power dynamics. Russia’s relationship with China, its rivalry with NATO, and its impact on Europe’s future will shape Australia’s own strategic environment for decades. Knowing how Australia responds is key to informed civic debate.

Topics covered

Russia’s strategic mindset in 2026:

• Domestic political consolidation after years of centralised rule
• Economic pressures, sanctions, and Russia’s search for new partners
• National identity narratives driving foreign policy decisions

The war in Ukraine:

• How the conflict has reshaped Russia’s military, economy, and diplomacy
• Possible pathways ahead—stalemate, escalation, negotiation
• What the war means for European and global security

Russia and the Indo-Pacific:

• · Growing military, diplomatic, and technological alignment with China
• · Engagement in the Arctic and implications for Australia
• · Russia’s evolving role in global energy markets and critical resources

Authoritarian cooperation and global influence:

• Disinformation, cyber operations, and information warfare
• Russia’s approach to multilateral institutions and global norms
• How Russia competes for influence in the Global South

Teaching Russia well:

• How to help students think critically about Russian history, culture, and politics
• Avoiding caricatures while analysing power, propaganda, and perspective
• Encouraging informed conversation about complex, contested global issues

Session Leader

Margaret Twomey is one of Australia’s most experienced diplomats and a leading authority on Russia and Eastern Europe. She served as Australia’s Ambassador to Russia from 2008 to 2011 and has held senior roles across the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including postings in Moscow, Washington, and the Pacific. Twomey brings a deep understanding of Russia’s political system, strategic priorities, and international behaviour—shaped by years of direct engagement with Russian officials, analysts, and civil society. Her work continues to inform policymakers, educators, journalists, and students seeking to grasp the motivations of a major global power at a critical moment in world history.

28 April – China and Australia: understanding a defining strategic relationship

China’s rise continues to reshape the global landscape—economically, strategically, and technologically. For Australia, no international relationship is more complex or consequential. Developments inside China—from its political trajectory and economic transformation to its expanding regional influence—directly affect Australia’s prosperity, security, and long-term national interests.

In this session, Richard McGregor, one of Australia’s leading authorities on Chinese politics and foreign policy, will examine the shifting dynamics within China and what they mean for Australia in 2026 and beyond. Drawing on decades of on-the-ground reporting, research, and strategic analysis, McGregor offers a clear-eyed, authoritative perspective on an issue that increasingly shapes public debate, policy choices, and classroom conversations alike.

Why students should care

• China is central to Australia’s future. From trade and technology to climate policy and regional security, China’s decisions have direct consequences for the world students are growing up in.
• Understanding modern China is essential for global literacy. China’s political system, strategic ambitions, and economic direction challenge many assumptions about how power works in the 21st century.
• Students will inherit an era shaped by US–China rivalry. Knowing how Australia navigates this environment is vital for informed civic understanding and constructive public dialogue.

Topics covered

• China in 2026: domestic political developments, economic shifts, and President Xi Jinping’s continued consolidation of power
• Australia’s strategic environment: trade tensions, diplomatic resets, and the evolving security balance in the Indo-Pacific
• Regional influence and competition: China’s activities in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea—and their implications for Australia
• Technology, surveillance, and global standards: how China’s technological ecosystem affects cyber security, data governance, and global tech competition
• Teaching China well: approaches to helping students critically understand a major world power without simplification or sensationalism

Session Leader

Richard McGregor is a Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute and an internationally recognised expert on Chinese politics, East Asian security, and Australia–China relations. A former bureau chief for The Australian and the Financial Times in Beijing and Tokyo, McGregor has reported extensively on China’s leadership, institutions, and strategic ambitions. His award-winning books, including The Party and Asia’s Reckoning, are widely regarded as essential reading for understanding China’s power and influence. At the Lowy Institute, McGregor’s research continues to inform policymakers, journalists, educators, and the public on one of the most important geopolitical relationships of our time.

4 June – Space in 2026: discovery, risk, and opportunity for the next generation

Space is entering one of the most transformative periods in human history. From rapid advances in rocket reusability and satellite technology to new ambitions in lunar exploration, planetary defence, and commercial spaceflight, the global space sector is expanding at unprecedented speed. Australia is playing a growing role—with new missions, new companies, and an expanding need for a space-literate workforce.

In this session, Dr Brad Tucker, renowned astrophysicist and science communicator, will guide educators through the major developments reshaping space in 2026 and what they mean for students. With expertise across astronomy, cosmology, and space technology—and extensive experience working with NASA, the Australian Space Agency, and global research teams—Dr Tucker brings an engaging, practical, and future-focused lens to the rapidly evolving space landscape.

Why students should care

• Space technologies underpin daily life—from GPS to communications, climate monitoring, and disaster response. Understanding them is essential for future citizens.
• The space industry is booming, creating new career pathways in engineering, software, science, policy, entrepreneurship, and data analysis.
• Today’s students will witness humanity’s return to the Moon, the rise of commercial spaceflight, and major advances in astronomy—developments that shape scientific curiosity and global opportunity.
• Critical thinking and STEM literacy are increasingly vital for navigating a world driven by data, science, and technological innovation.

Topics covered

• The space landscape in 2026: key missions, commercial developments, and scientific discoveries shaping the global space sector.
• Australia’s growing role in space: research milestones, industry growth, launch capabilities, and STEM opportunities for young Australians.
• Lunar and Mars programs: what Artemis, rover missions, and habitat research mean for the next decade of exploration.
• Satellites, rockets, and technological disruption: mega-constellations, reusable launch systems, Earth-observation advances, and space traffic management.
• The future of astronomy: new telescopes, exoplanet discoveries, dark matter research, and breakthroughs in understanding the universe.
• Teaching space in the classroom: practical ways to integrate space science into lessons that inspire curiosity and connect learning to real-world innovation.

Session Leader

Dr Brad Tucker is an astrophysicist at the Australian National University’s Mount Stromlo Observatory and one of Australia’s most well-known science communicators. His research spans supernovae, dark energy, space debris, and observational astronomy, and he has collaborated on major international projects with NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Australian Space Agency. A passionate educator, Dr Tucker regularly appears in the media to explain complex space science in accessible, engaging ways, and works extensively with schools to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.