The JBC recognises that democratic values and institutions need strengthening in order to flourish in democratic societies. It also recognises the disruptive nature of some technological advances, including the positive social impact that some of these technologies can facilitate, as well as the misuses that can undermine public trust and democratic values and processes.
The centre is named after Jeffrey Bleich, former US Ambassador to Australia appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. Ambassador Bleich serves as Chairman of the JBC Advisory Board.
“We all know that the advent of digital technology has fundamentally changed the way we each work, live, and relate. But it has also changed our societies and how we defend ourselves.
Our nations — both separately and together — must operate in new ways to preserve our values and protect our people and allies in new battle spaces.
This is the mission of the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies.”
The Jeff Bleich Centre was established to undertake world-leading research, to strengthen the core values and institutions of democratic societies. Most of our research projects are externally-funded through competitive grants, contracted research, and philanthropic donations.
The rapid introduction of new and disruptive technologies raises questions about how the development, deployment and ongoing use of these technologies articulate with democratic principles, societal structures, existing laws and regulations, and national policy settings.
States leverage a range of technological options available to them to strengthen their sovereignty and national security. Many of these technological options are now developed by the private sector, giving rise to new opportunities and changing international power dynamics.
Technology has the potential to reshape the foundational principles of societies, including our understanding and conceptualisation of what a democracy is and the rights we have as humans.
EquiTech examines how cultural and gender diversity influences how people interact with, and are impacted by, the democratic system in the digital age. EquiTech aims to facilitate inclusivity within the digital world, in recognition of Australia's rich multicultural fabric.
Our internships for undergraduate and postgraduate students train the next generation of researchers and policy-makers within areas of vital importance for our democracy.
We offer a $1,000 bursary to bright and capable undergraduate students wishing to align their Honours thesis with the research themes and goals of the JBC.
To be eligible, research projects need to focus on at least 1 of the 4 Research Areas of the JBC, and would need to receive provisional approval from a JBC member who is willing to supervise the project.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will close once all available slots have been allocated.
Thanks to the JBC-Fulbright Mentoring Scheme, we are able to pair prospective applicants with Flinders University academic staff who have previously acquired Fulbright scholarships in their research field.
These mentors can provide valuable advice on how to write a successful Fulbright application, and give insights into what assessors are looking for.
Fulbright Australia funds Australian citizens to study or conduct research in the United States.
We are proud to partner with world-leading institutions to advance the Centre's mission.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
Flinders University uses cookies to ensure website functionality, personalisation and a variety of purposes as set out in its website privacy statement. This statement explains cookies and their use by Flinders.
If you consent to the use of our cookies then please click the button below:
If you do not consent to the use of all our cookies then please click the button below. Clicking this button will result in all cookies being rejected except for those that are required for essential functionality on our website.