Primary Landing Page

In pursuit of the College’s whole-of-government and whole-of-nation objectives, our policy engagement activities deliver policy-relevant research, build engaged networks and communities of practice, and inform inclusive debate on national security issues, broadly defined. This ‘think tank’ side of NSC translates academic expertise and practitioner experience into policy impact.

We are a trusted strategic policy resource for Australia, guided by an Advisory Board of senior Government and University leaders.

Our diverse network – including core professional staff, ANU academics, government secondees and expert affiliates – reflects our mandate and convening power as a trusted meeting place dedicated to a secure Australian future.

Illustration of two hands coming together

Collaborative

Bridging academic, government, industry and civic spheres.

Illustration of a globe connected with nodes around it

Policy-relevant

Prioritising contestability of topical and cross-cutting issues.

Illustration of a magnifying glass over a figure with a tick mark over it

Trusted

Secure facilities, security-cleared personnel, and government secondees.

What we offer

Picture of Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University (Lannon Harley/ANU).
Image: ANU

Publications 

Leveraging our unique position as a university-based government initiative, we produce a regular suite of policy-relevant publications providing actionable policy options to government.

The National Security Podcast 

Our weekly podcast features expert analysis, insights and commentary on the national security challenges facing Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

Public lectures and conferences

We regularly host public events to build better understanding of national security and its Australian dimensions. The signature 2024 Securing our Future conference has propelled our ongoing series of public conversations beyond Canberra. 

Closed-door roundtables  

These confidential discussions offer space for our network of experts and practitioners to exchange perspectives with high-level visitors on key security issues, and foster constructive conversations. 

Policy contestability 

We are engaged to provide a space for contestable thinking on policy initiatives or analytical judgments. This work spans our policy engagement program and the Futures Hub.

Strategic dialogues

Our 1.5 and 2nd Track dialogues provide a ‘para-diplomatic’ platform for independent experts and government to exchange views on strategic priorities, address challenges and areas of shared concern and build on opportunities for collaboration.

Parliamentary engagement

We deliver an ongoing program of trusted briefings for parliamentarians and their staff across the full spectrum of security issues – an initiative supported by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Public commentary

Our experts frequently provide insight on security and policy issues through media interviews, opinion articles and speaking engagements.

Community consultations

In 2024 and 2025 we are conducting a nationwide listening tour of consultation with a cross-section of the Australian community to build a qualitative picture of what Australians think about security, as a resource for Government and Parliament.

On
Flooded road with a caution sign
In this paper, William Leben addresses the importance of preparedness in Australia and the need to build resilience to natural disasters.
Sally Ride, America's first woman astronaut communitcates with ground controllers
Dr Cassandra Steer, Dr Elise Stephenson and Sarah Furman discuss Women Peace and Security in space.
Padlock surrounded by electricity
As part of the Quad Tech Network series, Jennifer Jackett addresses the potential implications of current encryption methods on quantum computing.
Generative image of face detection and recognition of citizens.
Ben Scott addresses critical reforms needed in Australia’s intelligence landscape to adapt to the evolving information era.
On

NSC TV

Watch the latest videos from the ANU National Security College, including expert analysis, insight and commentary.