CPICL Research Scholar, Darul Mahdi Completed UQ Graduate School Industry Placement in Canberra

CPICL warmly congratulates research scholar Darul Mahdi on the successful completion of a three-month PhD industry placement at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) in Canberra, undertaken from 3 February to 1 May 2025 as part of the University of Queensland Graduate School’s Career Development Framework.

Darul’s PhD placement at ASPI—one of Australia’s leading think tanks on strategic, defence, national security, cyber, technology and foreign interference issues—offered a unique opportunity to bridge academic research with public policy practice. He sought to explore how legal research can be translated into actionable, policy-relevant insights that contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

The placement deepened his interest in policy work and the value of academic contributions that reach beyond scholarly audiences. In particular, it highlighted the importance of legal expertise and rigorous analysis in shaping informed public discourse on complex issues such as counterterrorism, international law, and regional security.

During his time at ASPI, Darul published two articles, with a third already submitted for editorial review. The experience also enhanced his ability to communicate complex legal analysis in a clear and accessible manner, which is essential for engaging with government, civil society, and the broader public.

For more information about the UQ PhD Industry Placement, click here.