CAPSPAK Launch

On 15 November 2024, the Consortium for Asia Pacific Studies (CAPS), was launched at National Library of Pakistan. The event saw a large participation from academics, political and regional experts, researchers, and students.

Mr. Khalid Rehman, Chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), praised the initiative as a much needed platform by the Pakistani scholarly community to objectively interpret the region, which has become central to global geo-economics.

President CAPS, Dr. Khuram Iqbal, outlined the consortium’s vision, emphasizing that Pakistan’s ability to navigate the geopolitical tensions between the US and China will define its future as a viable modern and progressive country. He also stressed the prospects of Pakistan positioning itself as a bridge between the US and China to turn these geopolitical tensions into a catalyst for economic growth. Dr. Iqbal highlighted that Islamabad should prioritize “low politics” areas, such as trade, technology, climate action, and innovation while engaging with the Asia-Pacific region. He underscored the need for Islamabad to seek partnerships with middle powers, thus opening doors for collaboration in sectors critical to global progress.

Dr. Shoaib, Senior Vice President of CAPS, spoke on the importance of building partnerships within the region, stressing the role of regional alliances in Pakistan’s path toward development.

The event was moderated by Mr. Umair Pervez Khan, Secretary CAPS, who highlighted the need for careful diplomacy as Pakistan explores the opportunities in Asia-Pacific.

The event also featured a comprehensive presentation by Dr. Gulshan Rafiq, Chief organizer of CAPS. She emphasized that independence, inclusivity, and diversity of views are central to CAPS organizational structure and its core values.

The launch of CAPS marks an important step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to engage more constructively within the Asia-Pacific and promote an inclusive, forward-looking agenda for the region.

Applications Open for DHS FY24 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the TVTP Grant Program is the only federal government grant program dedicated to helping local communities develop and strengthen local capabilities that prevent targeted violence and terrorism. In FY 2024, $18 million in TVTP grants are available for such projects run by state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies, nonprofits, and universities. The applications must be submitted through FEMA GO by May 17, 2024. DHS will announce recipients in September 2024.

Learn more here.

IAPSS Early Career Researcher (ECR) Grant Program

The International Academic Partnerships for Science and Security (IAPSS) is pleased to announce the initiation of its Early Career Researcher Grant Program aimed at fostering international collaboration, information sharing, and professional development. This program will offer an exciting opportunity for early career researchers to collaborate with international counterparts, present their research to an international audience, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

Detailed information about the grant and application process is forthcoming and will be available here.

Call for Papers: The Society for Terrorism Research 16th Annual International Conference - Learning Lessons from the Past, Considerations for the Future

The Society for Terrorism Research (STR), University of Central Oklahoma and Coventry University are delighted to announce that the 16th Annual International Conference will be held on September 4th and 5th, 2024 at the University of Central Oklahoma. Many will remember the Oklahoma City Bombing in April 1995, and as it is approaching the 30th anniversary, the conference will be hosted in Oklahoma and focus on ‘Learning Lessons from the Past and Considerations for the Future’ for terrorism research.

Key Themes:

  • How do we learn lessons from the past, and how can they shape future research, evidence and insights?  

  • How do we build meaningful and sustainable relationships between the research, policy and practice communities?

  • How do we maximise impact from the research that is undertaken

  • How do we enhance innovation in terrorism research and harness expertise in other disciplines?

  • How do we achieve this while continuing to address contemporary terrorism-related issues?

Proposals for paper presentations, panels and/or roundtables will be considered for inclusion in the program if they are received by May 10th, 2024.

Learn more here.

Lecturer in Counterterrorism, Strategic Security Studies and Intelligence at Macquarie University

You will have completed a PhD in international relations, politics, intelligence, counterterrorism, or a related discipline, and will be able to demonstrate experience in teaching in these subjects commensurate to this position opportunity. As a teacher, you will have a demonstrated record of impactful and engaging teaching in both the classroom and online learning environments, employing a range of innovative pedagogical practices. Your collaborative, collegial approach will ensure you perform effectively within an intellectually diverse and inter-disciplinary environment. You will have a critical approach to counterterrorism, strategic security studies, and intelligence, and be able to challenge and inspire students and colleagues alike.

Learn more here.

Lecturer in Criminology at Macquarie University

Macquarie University is seeking an engaged and collaborative Lecturer (Level B) with specialist knowledge of criminology. The successful applicant will be expected to make a major contribution to teaching and leadership, including convening and teaching units across the criminology curriculum at undergraduate and postgraduate level. You will also be expected to engage with relevant stakeholders in the community, government, and industry, including through externally funded grant projects, and make an active contribution to the administration of the Department, Faculty and University.

Learn more here.