Introduction
Ambassador (ret) Jeff Bleich

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.

"In today's fast-paced, globalised world, the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies is dedicated to adapting nations to new battle spaces, where digital advancements reshape how we live, work, and defend our values.

For over a century, Australia and the United States have exemplified a model alliance, proving that trust between nations can lead to strength, prosperity, and security. As we face evolving challenges, the centre recognises the need for new alliance models. With security threats now extending to space and cyber, the centre aims to adapt, leveraging the unparalleled trust, technical prowess, and work ethic of the United States and Australia. Together, these nations strive to address security threats that surpass traditional boundaries, affecting everything from governance to alliances with close partners.

I am honoured that Flinders, with its focus on technology, its innovative scholarship, and its strong connections to defence leaders in both nations, will be its home. I am grateful to be part of this effort and committed to give all I have — including my own name — to advancing the success of its mission. "

Jeff served as Special Counsel to President Barack Obama and as a diplomat in the Obama administration as U.S. Ambassador to Australia between 2009 and 2013.

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I am honoured that Flinders, with its focus on technology, its innovative scholarship, and its strong connections to defence leaders in both nations, will be its home.

Internships with the Jeff Bleich Centre

The JBC provides research training opportunities to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The internal research internship program, the JBC Innovations Incubator, allows students to gain research training by working with JBC researchers on current projects. External international research internship opportunities are available though the JBC Global Internships Program, which includes the Washington Internship Program, where students intern at the US Congress in Washington DC (USA), and the Vienna Space Internship, where students intern at the European Space Policy Institute in Vienna (Austria) and participate as observers in meetings of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

Fullbright Mentoring Scheme

The JBC supports prospective applicants for Fulbright Scholarships.

Fulbright Australia funds Australian citizens to study or conduct research in the United States. This includes postgraduate students (Master's and PhD), postdoctoral fellows, junior and senior scholars. 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.