Women in National Security Conference 2018

Power, security and change

Power, security and change

When: 24 - 25 October
Where: Hyatt Hotel, Canberra

Following the success of our first conference in 2017, this year’s forum takes the conversation further, with leading policy practitioners and academics exploring a spectrum of contemporary security issues defined by power and change: from data to deterrence, new technologies to counter-terrorism, Indo-Pacific strategy to the future of power.

The conference bridges scholarship, policy, business and the wider community, combining the College’s commitment to training and education with enriching Australia’s policy debate. So it is suited equally to participants from government, universities, industry and civil society.

It is worth emphasising that WiNS is not just for women participants. There is something here for any security practitioner interested in having assumptions challenged, whether on regional security, defence, diplomacy, policing, violent extremism, artificial intelligence or cyber security. A special focus will also be given to understanding the future security workforce. The Women Peace and Security Agenda will also be part of discussions.

The two-day program involves leading Australian and international experts, influencers, policy makers and security practitioners including:


Dr Chantal de Jonge Oudraat, President of Women in International Security
Frances Adamson, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Professor Michele Grossman, Deakin University
Assistant Commissioner Justine Saunders, Head of ACT Policing
Lydia Khalil, Lowy Institute
Senator Jenny McAllister, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security
Nava Nuraniyah, Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, Indonesia
Rebecca Lewis, International Atomic Energy Agency
Professor Elanor Huntington, Dean of the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science
Professor Caitlin Byrne, Head of Griffith Asia Institute
Dr Lesley Seebeck, CEO of the ANU Cyber Institute
Professor Jacqui True, Monash University


The conference will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, 24 and 25 October at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra, with a conference dinner at the National Gallery of Australia on 24 October.

The WiNS Conference website will be regularly updated, and we anticipate confirmations shortly from additional high-level speakers. After registration, participants will be able to access the WiNS App, providing access to additional resources including podcasts and referenced work by speakers.

Registration is $1200. An earlybird rate of $1050 is available until 15 September.

Join us at the WiNS Conference, a world-class security forum featuring insights from women and welcoming all.

Register HERE through the WiNS website

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Updated:  29 March 2024/Responsible Officer:  Head of College, National Security College/Page Contact:  Web administrator