A main mission of the AVERT Research Network is engaging with the broader public about issues related to terrorism and violent extremism.   In a space with a lot of commentary and opinions, we are committed to sharing evidence based knowledge to inform public discourse and encourage evidence-based policy and practice. 

In March 2024, the AVERT Research Network took part in the inaugural conference of the International Academic Partnerships for Science and Security (IAPSS). IAPSS is an international initiative, funded by the US Department of Homeland Security and co-led by the US-based National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) and the UK-based Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST). The objective of IAPSS is to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between research networks among the Five Eyes plus, with a focus on preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism.

AVERT Co-Convenors Lydia Khalil and Michele Grossman, and AVERT Executive Committee member Emily Corner recently appeared on the National Security Podcast to discuss the changing nature of violent extremism.

In this recent episode, entitled, ‘The changing nature of violent extremism: challenges in a new age’, Lydia Khalil, Michele Grossman and Emily Corner joined Gai Brodtmann to discuss the evolution of violent extremism, and how these changes create new challenges for policymakers.

We are excited to announce that Haily Tran has taken on the role of HDR Coordinator for the AVERT Research Network. This is a new and important role within the Network. It reflects the AVERT’s commitment to featuring new and emerging researchers who are conducting work in terrorism and violent extremism.

The 2023 AVERT International Research Symposium was held at Deakin Downtown, in Melbourne on Tuesday 26 September to Thursday 28 September. This year’s theme, “Democracy, Dissent and Countering Violent Extremism”, provoked vibrant discussions on the evolving landscape of countering violent extremism (CVE) in democratic societies.

The Symposium featured two eminent scholars, Professor Donatella Della Porta and Professor Joel Busher, whose addresses shed light on the dynamic challenges facing democracies today. Their contributions generated thoughtful conversations that will undoubtedly shape the future of CVE strategies.

The AVERT Research Network would like to bring to your attention a new research funding opportunity from the Department of Home Affairs. In support of the Department’s national security counter-terrorism policy goal to ensure that Australia’s counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism arrangements are fit for purpose, with a focus on preventing radicalisation, the CVE Centre of Excellence for Research, Risk Assessment and Training (CVE CoE) seeks to commission research into National research on radicalisation and violent extremism in Australia: Changes in motivation, diversification and impact over the last three years.

The AVERT Research Symposium 2022 was held on 21-22 November at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. This year’s theme was ‘interventions in countering violent extremism.’ The 2022 AVERT Research Symposium engaged with the latest research and practice perspectives on CVE intervention, bringing together Australian and international researchers, practitioners and policymakers at the forefront of the field, presenting the latest research and practitioner evidence and insights.

The AVERT Network was pleased to offer a submission to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into extremism, which examined issues around the rise of right-wing extremism, recruitment and communication methods of extremists groups, the risks posed to multicultural communities, elected officials and public figures, as well as ways to counter far right extremist groups and their influence.

Through generous sponsorship from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, AVERT hosted over 200 online participants from around the world for three stimulating and rewarding days of intellectual and practical inquiry and dialogue on the contemporary dynamics of violent extremism. The 2021 AVERT Research Symposium explored the theme ‘Violent Extremism at the Crossroads: Persistence, Change and Dynamism 20 Years After 9/11’.

The COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on the growth and trajectory of violent extremism. AVERT members have contributed their expertise and been featured in related media coverage about the pandemic and violent extremism. Here are some highlighted media contributions by AVERT members.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an Inquiry into extremist movements and radicalism in Australia. We are pleased to be able to share the AVERT submission which addresses a number of the inquiry’s terms of reference.