The AVERT Research Network
The Addressing Violent Extremism and Radicalisation to Terrorism (AVERT) Research Network is a multidisciplinary multi-institutional research network based in Melbourne, Australia supported by Deakin University’s Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI). AVERT members conduct research into a wide array of topics related to terrorism, radicalisation, and violent extremism. Our Network is comprised of highly engaged and critically informed social science, humanities and multidisciplinary research academics from a variety of universities and research institutions who believe in conducting meaningful evidence-based research for the public good.
We aim to understand and reduce the social harms created by violent extremism
Latest News
2025 AVERT International Research Symposium
24-26 November 2025 | Melbourne, Australia
The AVERT Research Network is pleased to open the call for proposals for the 2025 AVERT International Research Symposium, co-hosted with the Vox-Pol Network of Excellence and the Terrorism and Social Media (TASM) Conference.
This year’s theme, ‘Signal or Noise? Navigating the Changing Nature of Violent Extremism Online’, focuses on the complex dynamics of radicalisation in digital spaces. From the proliferation of extremist subcultures and the use of deepfakes, to the challenges of regulation and prevention, the Symposium will interrogate how we understand, assess, and respond to emerging online harms.
We welcome proposals that provide insights on how these changes impact our understanding of online radicalism's harms, risk assessment practices, and policy responses. Proposals that include collaborations with practitioners or industry, reflect on or offer policy and practice-based guidance, or otherwise demonstrate policy and/or practice relevance are encouraged.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss
Professor in the School of Public Affairs and School of Education, American University, Washington, DC
Successful Applicants Announced – Phase 2 of the National CVE Research Project
We are pleased to announce the successful applicants for Phase 2 of the National Research Project, Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) research that supports policy and practice in Australia, funded by the Department of Home Affairs.
The AVERT Research Network received a strong response from researchers and practitioners across the country and globally.
We thank all applicants for their interest and commitment to advancing knowledge in this critical area.
Upcoming Events
June 2025 Newsletter
The first half of 2025 has been a busy and exciting time for the AVERT Research Network as we’ve continued to grow and celebrate new achievements. Check out the latest member news and highlights from the first half of 2025!
Democracy Conference Panel
On 4 June 2025, the AVERT Research Network convened a panel titled "Democracy and its Discontents – Extremism’s Role and Impact on Democracy" as part of the 3rd Annual Conference on Australian Democracy and Human Rights, held at the University of Melbourne. The session was chaired by AVERT Co-Convenor Lydia Khalil and featured expert insights from Professor Julian Droogan (Macquarie University), Associate Professor Emily Corner (ANU), Dr Levi West (ANU), and Dr Jade Hutchinson (Charles University).
The discussion explored pressing challenges at the intersection of extremism and democratic resilience. Panellists addressed questions around the mainstreaming of extremist ideologies, the rise of grievance-based radicalisation, online ecosystems as drivers of extremism, and the role of foreign influence operations in undermining democratic institutions. The session concluded with a forward-looking question inviting each speaker to propose interventions that could help safeguard democratic systems from these evolving threats.
AVERT was pleased to contribute to this timely and thought-provoking event, which brought together researchers, practitioners, and community members committed to strengthening democracy and human rights in Australia and beyond.
Latest News
AVERT Commentary
The AVERT Network brings together researchers, community, government and civil society stakeholders to understand and reduce the social harms created by terrorism and violent extremism as well as the effects of counter extremism and counterterrorism implications and impacts on the fabric of our local, national and transnational communities.
AVERT members collaborate with a wide range of community, government and civil society organisations
As an Australian based research network, we remain strongly grounded in our local context while engaging globally with colleagues, institutions and issues and trends
Seminar and Webinar Recordings
AVERT Webinar with Dr Aaron Y Zelin - The Evolution of the Islamic State
JULY 2024
AVERT Webinar with Dr Suraj Lakhani - The nexus between videogaming and violent extremism
AUGUST 29, 2024
AVERT Webinar with Dr Julia Ebner - Is There a Language of Terrorists?
JUNE 12 2024
AVERT Webinar with Professor John Horgan - Terrorist Minds
MAY 9, 2024