Critical Infrastructure in Armed Conflict
Critical Infrastructure in Armed Conflict: Strengthening Societal Resilience and Security
This project is part of the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend and a one-off Global Mobility Grant to conduct international engagement activities.
Armed conflict is placing pressure on critical infrastructure, from electricity grids and nuclear power plants to satellites and data centres. Damage and disruption have already affected essential civilian services, with consequences beyond conflict zones and implications for global stability.
The PhD will examine how international law can better protect critical infrastructure and strengthen its resilience. The research will explore challenges arising from interconnected energy, space and digital/data infrastructure, including civilian and military uses, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and cascading disruptions across essential services.
The candidate will join an interdisciplinary supervisory team from UNSW Sydney and UNSW Canberra, with expertise in international law and safety critical sociotechnical systems. A research placement at the University of Warsaw in Poland will offer opportunities to work with leading scholars and engage with European policy communities addressing these challenges, including those arising from the war in Ukraine.
-
- Residency: Domestic applicants only.
- Degree program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You must meet the minimum requirements below to apply:
- An appropriate Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW: OR
- A completed Master by Research, with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis; OR
- a qualification from another tertiary institution at a level considered equivalent by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)
-
Eligible applicants must contact the Primary Supervisor, Sarah Williams - sarah.williams@unsw.edu.au. If she agrees to supervise you, you will be invited to submit a formal application to UNSW.
Your email should include:
- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- A brief introduction about you and why you are qualified for this project.
- What interests you about this project and the supervisor(s) expertise.
Research project overview
-
Scholarship value
$39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
$25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off) -
Supervisory team
Professor Sarah Williams (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Professor Elizabeth Williams (University of Warsaw, Co-Supervisor)
-
Global research partner
-
Candidate residency
Domestic
-
Degree program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
UNSW School | Research area
Faculty of Law & Justice | School of Global and Public Law
Impact focus area
Pillar 6: Accelerate the transition to a sustainable society and planet
Learn more
Impact focus area
Pillar 9: Strengthen societal resilience, security and cohesion
Learn more
Primary Supervisor
Do you have questions?
The UNSW Graduate Research School manages all postgraduate research applications and scholarships. Get in touch with our team to discuss your research interests and the next steps.