Jeff Bleich Centre

An expert voice on how to strengthen the core values and institutions of democratic societies in a world where technology constantly disrupts the status quo.

Centre Overview

Research

Student Opportunities

Fulbright Distinguished Chair

People

Centre Overview

The Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies (JBC) is a research centre in the College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University.

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.

Most of our research projects are externally-funded through competitive grants, contracted research, and philanthropic donations. Funding sources have included the Australian Research Council (ARC), SmartSat CRC, Defence and the Office of National Intelligence.

Over $6 million
in competitive research funding received by members

Over 150
peer-reviewed publications by members

$3m+
in philanthropic donations to fund research

“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.”

Ambassador (ret) Jeffrey Bleich
Former U.S. Ambassador to Australia

Our Research Themes

AI, Social Media & Disruptive Technologies

Defence, Security & Space

Democracy, Participation and Human Rights

Opportunities for Students

Our internships for undergraduate and postgraduate students train the next generation of researchers and policy-makers within areas of vital importance for our democracy.

Washington Internship Program

Vienna Internship Program

Innovations Incubator

Keen to complete an Honours?

Align your thesis with one of our research themes and score a $1,000 bursary!

Access the brochure

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 3 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.

Apply now for 2026

Want to be a Fulbright Scholar?

The JBC Mentorship Program can help your application shine!

About the Fulbright Scholarship

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.

Get in touch!