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
Upcoming Events
Dr. Joel Busher, Professor of Political Sociology at the Centre for Peace & Security, Coventry University, UK
Online Event
17:00 - 18:00 AEST
08:00 - 09:00 AM BST
Zoom
AVERT Webinar: Violence escalation and inhibition during far-right protest waves
This presentation by Dr. Joel Busher will examine how interactions between far-right protesters, counter-protesters, and other actors can either trigger or prevent violence. Drawing on a CREST-funded study of four high-profile far-right protests in the UK, Germany, and the US, Dr. Busher will identify violence-enabling and violence-inhibiting mechanisms, highlighting the need to analyse both for a comprehensive understanding of protest dynamics. By integrating situational and broader conflict analysis, Dr. Busher’s study reveals blind spots in movement-centric models and underscores the role of protest ecologies—whether movements are marginalised or emboldened—in shaping violence. Recognising these pathways can enhance how we analyse and respond to far-right protests. This presentation is based on a co-authored paper with Julia Ebner (Oxford University), Zsófia Hacsek (Coventry University), Gareth Harris (independent researcher), and Graham Macklin (CREX, University of Oslo).
December 2024 Newsletter
The second half of 2024 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 research funding calls, member news and highlights from the second half of 2024!
We wish you a happy and restful holiday period and we look forward to seeing you again in 2025!
AVERT INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM 2024
PEOPLE, PLACES AND SPACES: NEW DYNAMICS AND SHIFTING RESPONSES TO VIOLENT EXTREMISM
29-31 October 2024
The 2024 AVERT Research Network Symposium brought together leading practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in countering violent extremism. With a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange, the symposium served as a dynamic platform to explore innovative approaches and diverse perspectives shaping the future of policy and practice.
Here, the Australian Department of Home Affairs Deptuty Secretary for National Security Nathan Smyth talks about the importance of research in informing policy and practice and the importance of learning from diverse perspectives.
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