Among the stars: UNSW law student awarded prestigious national scholarship

Amos Taylor researches the governance of air and space, with a focus on protecting Indigenous rights in what he calls sky Country.

UNSW Sydney Law & Justice student Amos Taylor has been awarded the Australian Academy of Law’s (AAL) First Nations Scholarship for 2026.

A descendant of the Gija and Jaru peoples of the Eastern Kimberley, Amos is focused on safeguarding Indigenous rights and interests within the evolving legal frameworks of air and space – a concept he calls sky Country, which is deeply rooted in Aboriginal knowledge systems.

The AAL’s First Nations Scholarship is designed to support an Indigenous student through the final year of a Law degree and provides the recipient with an AAL Fellow as a mentor.

UNSW Dean of Law & Justice, Professor Andrew Lynch, said he was thrilled to see Amos receive national recognition for his pioneering work.

“Amos is an exceptional student and a remarkable young leader. He brings clarity, originality and purpose to his work, alongside a strong commitment to centring Indigenous law and knowledge in future legal frameworks,” Prof. Lynch said.

“Amos is destined to make an important contribution to the law in Australia and internationally, and we are immensely proud to see him recognised so early in what will undoubtedly be an outstanding career.”

A unique mission connecting air and space

Amos describes sky Country as stretching from just above the treetops to the stars and beyond – an expanse that Western law separates into air law and space law.

He is exploring how First Nations law and lore can inform international frameworks of governance to ensure respect and custodianship of sky Country, rather than exploitation.

“This scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me because it feels like recognition that this work – pursuing Indigenous rights and interests in sky Country – genuinely matters within the legal profession,” he said.

“Over the past few years, I’ve slowly realised that my research is less about discovering something entirely new and more about recognising relationships and responsibilities that have always been there.

“Sky Country is ever present for me. It’s things like a car window rolled down on a summer’s night, a magpie warbling at me during my lunch break, the rain arriving when I am bundled up in bed and capturing an incredible sunset picture whilst I am heading home after a busy day.”

The Hon Pamela Tate AM KC, who chaired the scholarship judging panel, said the judges were impressed by Amos’s academic record and his innovative approach to the law.

“Amos has shown commitment and diligence to his chosen field of inquiry,” she said.

“His work is aimed at practical regulatory outcomes that reflect and respect First Nations perspectives and it is clear his commitment and future contribution to the law is assured.”

Amos’s journey has been supported by UNSW’s Indigenous Legal Education team, Nura Gili and the AGSM Indigenous Programs team. He credits those around him for recognising and nurturing his unique research.

“My Aboriginal ancestors have guided me to this research across First Time, and I hope I can continue their legacy (and all of our mob’s legacy) of custodianship over all of Country – including sky Country.”

Amos will complete his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies & Film Studies) at UNSW this year. He hopes to undertake postgraduate study in air and space law to develop specialist expertise.