Our Team
Governance
The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law will be led by Director Associate Professor Ronli Sifris (from August 2026) and Deputy Director Professor Julie Debeljak. Currently Professor Paula Gerber is Acting Director.
Associate Professor Ronli Sifris returns to Monash Law following work at the Australian Law Reform Commission, where she has been serving as Assistant Commissioner leading the review of Australia’s surrogacy laws. Her leadership of the review comes after more than a decade of research in surrogacy, reproductive justice, gender equality, health and human rights and access to justice. It has also offered her the opportunity to contribute directly to law reform at a federal level.
Professor Julie Debeljak is a founding member of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, and a long-standing contributor to its growth and influence. She has played a significant role in shaping the Castan Centre since its inception. An expert in international human rights law, comparative human rights law, domestic human rights instruments and law, constitutional law, and public law, Julie brings legal scholarship and practical insight to the Deputy Director role.
We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Melissa Castan for her outstanding leadership of the Castan Centre and congratulate her on being among the first cohort to receive the title of Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor at Monash University. After almost 5 years as Centre Director, in 2026 Melissa is stepping up to the role of Associate Dean (Research) at Monash Law.
The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Advisory Board, currently undergoing reconstitution, is anticipated to make an announcement soon regarding its renewed advisory support and governance.
Research Area Convenors
The main research, policy and impact work of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law is undertaken by thematic program research groups. Each of these research groups is made up of Academic Members and is headed by a Convenor, appointed by the Director in consultation with the Management Committee and the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Monash University.
Academic Members
Affiliated Academic Members
Our experts are Academic Members from the Faculty of Law at Monash University and Affiliate Academic Members from other Australian faculties and institutions.
Centre Support
PhD Affiliates
PhD Affiliates of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law are our featured early career researchers. Learn more about their research.