September 23, 2025
UOW expert commentary (23 September)
UOW academics provide expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing and breaking news stories
Refugees and forced migration
Professor Phil Orchard can provide commentary on the UN General Assembly in New York, particularly on global refugee policy, forced migration, cuts to humanitarian aid and the protection of war-affected civilians. is an expert in international relations and refugee issues. His research includes examining global refugee governance and the rights of internally displaced persons. He is a Professor of International Relations in the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, and Co-Director of the Future of Rights Centre.
Famine in Gaza
Associate Professor Susan Engel is available to speak about the famine in Gaza and what it means for the future of aid and humanitarian relief in Gaza and globally in the context of declining aid budgets. works in the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry and is co-director of the Future of Rights Centre. Associate Professor Engel worked in the government, community and aid sectors before becoming an academic. She plays an active role in the issues of aid and development through advocacy and has published books, book chapters and many articles on aid, development and development finance.
Energy targets
Mr Ty Christopher can discuss energy related policy announcements. is the Director of UOW’s Energy Futures Network. The Energy Futures Network’s research includes renewable energy systems and integration, power systems, sustainability (including building design), power quality and reliability, battery energy storage and management systems, distributed energy generation, microgrids, infrastructure modelling and economics, and R&D leading to a more hydrogen-intensive economy.
US politics
Dr Daniel Fleming can talk about United States President Donald Trump and the current political climate in the US.  is a historian with expertise in the US civil rights movement, US history and politics, race, gender and class. He is a lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry.
World Maritime Day (25 September)
Dr Prakash Gopal can provide expert commentary on maritime security for World Maritime Day. This year’s theme is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity". is a former navy officer with experience in maritime security operations, policy and strategy. His research focuses on security policy, maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific, and protecting critical maritime infrastructure. Dr Gopal is a lecturer at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS).
UOW academics exercise academic freedom by providing expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing social issues and current affairs. This expert commentary reflects the views of those individual academics and does not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the 51²è¹Ý.