Thought Leadership   Space to debate and test ideas...and decide action for the future!

The purpose of our Thought Leadership Program is to shape strategic policy direction by delivering a program of activities aimed at encouraging frank discussion, promoting understanding, and facilitating collaboration and cooperation on national security topics of significance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key activities and events within our Thought Leadership Program comprise:

Facilitated two-day dialogue style events which provide opportunity to explore specific topics in detail. 

• IFRS Strategic Dialogue      (for national security experts and leaders - invitation only)   
• National Security Management Symposium     (for mid-career professionals)   
• Future Strategic Leaders' Congress      (for Future Strategic Leaders) 

Publications designed to encourage exploration of ideas and 'out of the box' thinking on regional security issues.

• Security Challenges 
• The Regionalist  

A forum for our Future Strategic Leaders to share ideas on issues of regional security significance with the broader national security community.

Research

High quality analysis and reporting on areas of emerging strategic interest

The IFRS Research Program provides insights, ideas and recommendations to policy makers and national leaders through the delivery of original, high quality, independent and non-partisan research aimed at focusing on long-term, complex security challenges that affect our region. The research program comprises:

• Kokoda Papers
• Discussion Papers
• Occasional Papers

The IFRS Research Committee has oversight of the Research Program.

Launched in 2014, the IFRS WiNS program has been designed to encourage the recruitment, retention and levels of inclusion of women in the national security sector. This is achieved by delivering a program covering:

Our program has been designed as a consequence of extensive consultation with women working in the national security sector. We aspire to a future of equal representation and participation at all levels of seniority. We seek to achieve this by addressing the specific needs communicated to us by these women.

Professional Development  Fostering careers, developing professionals and engaging experts

The Institute For Regional Security is committed to developing the next generation of strategic thinkers to address the regional security challenges that will confront Australia in the decades to come. Fundamental to this commitment is our:

• Future Strategic Leaders' Scheme and our
• Intern Scheme

In addition to the schemes mentioned above, the IFRS Professional Development program supports the ongoing development and engagement of those with an interest in national security matters in the Indio-Pacific region more broadly. This may include mid-career professionals seeking to increase their understanding on topics of strategic national security significant, or leaders and experts wanting to keep engaged with emerging issues and new approaches. We achieve this via a program of events including: 

• Breakfast Briefings
• Professional Development Workshops
• Seminars, Roundtables and Colloquiums

The Institute provides forums whereby members of the national security community can meet to build relationships, connect with influential people, and exchange ideas. These events provide a break from the routine aspects of work and help to foster inspiration, motivation and synergy within the national security community. Regular networking events include: