CONNECTING FUTURE LEADERS THROUGH THE MENZIES LEGACY
The Menzies Early Career Network (MECN) is a flagship program of the Robert Menzies Institute, designed to identify, nurture, and connect a new generation of emerging leaders with a deep understanding of Australia’s national story.
At its core, MECN seeks out intellectually curious and ambitious university students—those with a genuine interest in Australia’s past and a desire to shape its future.
Led by Institute Fellow Dr Damien Freeman, the program invites academics, thought leaders, parliamentarians, and supporters of the Institute to nominate outstanding students who demonstrate both academic promise and a commitment to serious inquiry.
Under the mentorship of Dr Freeman and Dr Zachary Gorman, the Institute’s Historian and Research Manager, participants undertake a guided research project into a defining aspect of the Menzies era. Through this work, they explore its enduring impact on Australia’s economic, social, and political development.
The program culminates in the production of a publishable essay, equipping participants with the skills, intellectual grounding, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s public life.
CONNECTING MENZIES & AMERICA
To mark the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, we invite research proposals that explore connections between Robert Menzies – his life, his governments, or the social and political challenges of his era – and developments in the United States.
These connections may involve American thinkers, statesmen, or broader social, political, legal, or economic developments.
Proposals may address a wide range of themes, including social or economic policy, domestic challenges, legal or political thought, as well as international relations and defence. A direct focus on the ANZUS Treaty is not required.
MECN 2026
Key Achievements of MECN
MENZIES REDISCOVERED: A new generation’s inspiration for political philosophy, domestic challenges and foreign affairs is a collection of essays by MECN 2025 scholars launched by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.
FINDING MENZIES: A new generation’s inspiration for foreign affairs, social policy and political thought is a collection of essays by MECN 2024 scholars with a foreword by the Hon Tony Abbot AC.
All MECN scholars were invited to the Robert Menzies Institute’s Australian history podcast Afternoon Light to discuss their research with host Georgina Downer.
Testimonials
MECN 2025 provided me a rare platform to engage deeply with Australia’s strategic history while developing a sharper lens on contemporary trade and policy challenges. It strengthened both my analytical thinking and my confidence to contribute meaningfully to national as well as international conversations.”
Pablo Avaria
MBA student, Monash University
“MECN 2024 offered me a unique opportunity to hone my writing and public speaking skills. The Institute is unsurpassed as a supportive environment for academics seeking to publish a positive telling of Australia’s history, while still engaging critically with the nation’s past.”
Josh Woodward
Phd student at Australian National University
“Participating in MECN 2024 provided me a rare opportunity to publish and present my work in a rigorous yet supportive environment. Furthermore, it deepened my historical understanding ofAustralian politics and sharpened the way I engage with contemporary debates.”
Maya Khurana
Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies student at the University of Sydney
MECN 2025
Schedule
Programme
Our participants will access a programme from August 2025 – May 2026 including:
- August: One-day workshop in Sydney
- September: Three two-hour online seminars
- October: Finalising paper
- November: Masterclass in Melbourne combined with RMI two day conference on 27/28 November 2025
- December: Podcast recordings for Afternoon Light
- May: Launch of the MECN book at Parliament House, Canberra.
Opportunities
Jeparit Press publication
The sixteen papers are to be revised and then edited for publication in a book to be released by the Jeparit Press in early 2026.
Parliament House launch
Launch in Canberra, in May 2026.
Afternoon Light Podcast
Podcasts with contributors about their chapters to be released in the Afternoon Light series to coincide with launch.
MECN 2024
Publication
The publication: Finding Menzies is the product of research undertaken by members of the Menzies Early Career Network, an initiative of the Robert Menzies Institute, which aims to nurture an appreciation of the enduring legacy of Menzies and his government in the next generation of Australian scholars as they embark on careers in history, law, and public life.
Contributors engage with Menzies’s understanding of Australia’s war aims and post-war relations with the UK, USA, and USSR; his approach to changes in families, housing, and education; and his attitude to liberalism, tolerance, aspiration, and Catholicism.
The collection addresses topics in Australian political history ranging from defence and foreign policy through to the rule of law and social and economic policy, as well as topics in the history of political thought and at the intersection of politics and religion.
Participant Podcasts
Search via Spotify, Apple Music, PodBean, via our website for the Afternoon Light Podcasts.
The available podcasts are by participants: Aaron Marston-Pattison, Abby Smith, Orlando Throsby, Jacob Carson, Nick Warren, Georgia Lowden, Josh Woodward, Jesse Seeberg-Gordon, Maya Khurana, Patrick Irwin, Priscilla Spalding, Samuel Chamberlain, and Scarlett Wakelin.
Finding Menzies - Launch Event
Finding Menzies: A new generation’s inspiration for foreign affairs, social policy and political thought was launched at Parliament House, Canberra in 2025.
Participants attended with their guests.
Senator James Paterson delivered this speech to the attendees.Read Speech Here
Photos of the event are attached below.
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