AUSTRALIAN NAVAL INSTITUTE – 2025 GOLDRICK SEMINAR
CALL FOR PAPERS
The Australian Naval Institute (ANI) is a not-for-profit organisation whose objective is to promote debate and discussion over maritime and naval issues that impact Australia. Incorporated in 1975, the ANI is independent and provides a forum for debate; the institute itself does not advocate for specific positions on any topic. The ANI is also not part of the Royal Australian Navy or Department of Defence, although it is an Approved Defence Organisation, meaning ADF members can use the ANI activities to meet their formal professional development and currency requirements.
The ANI hosts an annual one-day conference known as the Goldrick Seminar, in honour of the late Rear Admiral James Goldrick, AO, CSC. Admiral Goldrick was a globally renowned naval historian and strategist. He was also a former President and Life Member of the ANI.
The 2025 Goldrick Seminar will be held in Canberra on 2 October 2025 under the overarching theme Action Stations: Australia’s Fighting Navy in 2030.
This theme was selected in conjunction with the Chief of Navy and is one of Navy’s key areas for research. Much of the current focus is on AUKUS and the future Navy, but given the lead time for naval procurements, the Navy of 2030 will not be substantially different to that of today. This seminar aims to explore how Australia can best use the maritime capabilities expected to be in service in 2030 to support national objectives and interests.
The ANI invites Australian and international scholars, practitioners and experts to participate.
Proposals are sought for papers related to the theme to present in person at the Goldrick Seminar. Contributions will be considered from across any topic related to the theme, including, but not limited to:
- Strategic Environment. Economic factors. The trajectory of the US alliance noting ongoing European and Middle East conflicts. Indian and Pacific Ocean developments. Australia’s national resilience, including whether Australian industry is ready to support protracted military operations?
- Autonomous Systems. How will autonomy and AI impact maritime combat by 2030? What can realistically be expected to be operational within the timeframe? What challenges will autonomy and AI bring?
- Undersea Warfare. How will the undersea threat evolve? Is Australia’s mine warfare capability adequate? How does Australia protect its undersea cable interests? How can the Submarine Rotational Force – West best support Australian interests (and what vulnerabilities does it bring), How can Australia best leverage cooperation with other countries in Undersea Warfare (US, India, Indonesia, Japan, ROK etc)?
- Amphibious Operations. In particular, the emerging role of the Army in littoral warfare. How will the Army support Sea Control efforts in the region?
- Personnel and Workforce to 2030. What challenges will the ADF face between now and 2030 in attracting and retaining the right personnel? Are there cultural issues that need addressing?
These areas are suggestions only – any paper related to the theme will be considered.
If you are interested in presenting, please submit a brief abstract (250-300 words) of your proposed topic together with a short biography by June 15 2025
Papers may be selected for publication in the Australian Naval Review, our peer-reviewed journal.
If you are selected you will be requested to submit a 3500-4000 word paper by 15 November 2025. An honorarium may be considered for selected papers.
Early career academics in the maritime and national security fields are also encouraged to apply. There is no need to be affiliated with the Navy, Department of Defence or academia. All nominations will be considered.
For further information about the Seminar program or to discuss a possible paper, please contact the ANI Business Manager, Sue Hart on 02 6290 1505 or admin@navalinstitute.com.au
