A leading researcher at UNSW’s Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law has been recognised for his cutting-edge work on humanitarian crises and international law, receiving the prestigious 2026 Alice Edwards Breakthrough Researcher Award.
Dr Thomas Mulder, a Laureate Postdoctoral Fellow at the Kaldor Centre’s Evacuations Research Hub, was jointly awarded the 2026 Alice Edwards Breakthrough Researcher Award by the Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law (ANZSIL). The award recognises emerging scholars whose research is making a significant impact in the field of international law.
Dr Mulder’s work sits at the intersection of international disaster law, humanitarian law and human rights law, with a particular interest in how international law can contribute to the protection of persons in the event of disasters. His research addresses increasingly urgent global challenges, including how people can be safely and lawfully evacuated during emergencies such as armed conflict, natural disasters and climate-related events.
At a time when large-scale emergencies are becoming more frequent and complex, his work provides critical insights into how international law can better protect affected populations. By examining the rights of people and the obligations of governments, Dr Mulder’s research aims to strengthen accountability and improve outcomes for people forced to flee dangerous situations.
As part of the award, Dr Mulder will present his latest research in July at the ANZSIL Annual Conference in Wellington, where he will speak on ‘Moving Beyond Rhetoric: Solidarity in the Treaty on the Protection of Persons in Disasters’. His presentation will explore how a new treaty on international disaster cooperation could turn the idea of solidarity from just a slogan into a real commitment to mutual assistance between countries. He will show how making solidarity a core principle could strengthen cooperation in ways that better protect people affected by disasters by ensuring countries share responsibility and support one another when disasters happen.
Dr Mulder’s ANZSIL presentation is based on his forthcoming book, Solidarity in International Disaster Response Law (Bloomsbury/Hart, August 2026). It also follows extensive work done by Dr Mulder and Professor Jane McAdam on the importance of recognising the risks and challenges of displacement in that treaty, including in a policy brief, opinion articles and presentations for stakeholders.
The recognition highlights the growing global importance of the Kaldor Centre’s Evacuations Research Hub, which focuses on developing legal and policy solutions for people displaced in emergencies. Dr Mulder’s work contributes to a broader effort to ensure that emergency responses like evacuations are not only operationally effective but also grounded in human rights and international law.
For the Kaldor Centre, Dr Mulder’s achievement underscores its role as a leading hub for research addressing some of the most pressing displacement challenges of our time.
Find more at UNSW’s Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law website.