Ronli Sifris appointed Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law
Ronli Sifris appointed Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law
Monash Law is proud to announce that Associate Professor Ronli Sifris will take on the role of Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law from 1 August, marking a significant new chapter for one of Australia’s leading human rights research centres.
This appointment comes at a moment of transition and renewal for the Centre, following the leadership of Distinguished Professor Melissa Castan. Sifris will step into the role for a three-year term on her return to the Faculty.
“It is such an honour to be trusted to lead the Castan Centre and to continue its tradition of rigorous scholarship, meaningful engagement and commitment to advancing human rights. I am excited about reinforcing and enhancing the Castan Centre’s position as Australia’s leading academic human rights centre,” Sifris said.
Monash Law also extends its sincere thanks to Distinguished Professor Melissa Castan for her remarkable leadership of the Castan Centre. During her time as Director, she brought energy, vision and a deep commitment to human rights, strengthening the Centre’s impact across research, teaching and public engagement. Her leadership has left a strong and lasting legacy, and the Faculty looks forward to building on this strong foundation into the future.
Castan Centre’s Deputy Director Associate Professor Ronli Sifris, Research Fellow Scott Walker, and Director Professor Melissa Castan after giving evidence at the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights in 2023.
A leader shaped by the Castan Centre
For Associate Professor Sifris, the appointment reflects a longstanding connection to the Centre and its mission.
She has played a central role in its growth over many years, serving as Deputy Director since 2017 and Acting Director on several occasions. Her leadership has spanned strategic planning, governance, research development, student programs and partnerships, as well as the day-to-day life of the Centre.
“Having been Deputy Director of the Castan Centre for several years, I have benefitted from the wisdom and mentorship of the Centre's current Director, Distinguished Professor Melissa Castan. She has shown that leadership can and should be kind and generous; and that the best leaders pull others up,” Sifris said.
“I'm so grateful to have had the benefit of working closely with her and learning from her. And I'm very grateful to our Dean Prof Steven Vaughan and Prof Liz Campbell (Associate Dean Academic Staffing) for their faith in me and for giving me this opportunity.”
Her experience in the Centre has positioned Sifris as both a steward of the Centre’s legacy and a leader ready to guide its next phase.
Associate Professor Ronli Sifris discusses her new book Towards Reproductive Justice on ABC TV News Breakfast in 2024.
Human rights law leadership at a pivotal moment
Sifris is an internationally recognised scholar who has expertise in health law and human rights law, gender and human rights, and matters that engage all three of these areas.
She returns to Monash following a stint with the Australian Law Reform Commission, where she has been serving as Assistant Commissioner leading the review of Australia’s surrogacy laws. That work has placed her at the centre of complex legal and ethical debates about family, technology and rights.
Her leadership of the review comes after more than a decade of research in surrogacy, reproductive rights and the intersection of law and lived experience. It has also offered her the opportunity to contribute directly to law reform at a federal level.
The final report of the review is due to be delivered to the Attorney-General at the end of July 2026, with Sifris returning to the Faculty shortly after.
This timing positions her appointment at the Castan Centre alongside the conclusion of a major national inquiry, bringing fresh insight and policy experience into the role.
Associate Professor Calvin Ho, Associate Professor Karinne Ludlow, Associate Professor Ronli Sifris, and Professor Gabrielle Wolf at the Australasian Bioethics and Health Law conference in 2025.
Connecting research, law reform and real-world impact
Associate Professor Ronli Sifris is the author of multiple books, including Towards Reproductive Justice (2024). She has contributed book chapters to major international handbooks, and has published around 30 peer reviewed journal articles in leading publications such as Human Rights Quarterly, Federal Law Review, UNSW Law Journal and the Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights.
Her empirical research has been cited by the High Court of Australia and the United Kingdom Supreme Court, reflecting the depth and authority of her work in shaping contemporary human rights discourse.
Alongside her research contributions, Sifris has served on the editorial board of the Australian Journal of Human Rights and is regularly called on by international media to provide expert commentary, further extending the reach of her work into public and global debates.
Building on Castan Centre’s strong foundations
The Castan Centre has a long history of leadership that connects academic research with real-world impact. Its work spans advocacy, public debate and engagement with government and civil society.
Professor Liz Campbell, Associate Dean Academic Staffing in the Faculty of Law acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Director, Distinguished Professor Melissa Castan.
“I thank Distinguished Professor Melissa Castan most warmly for her remarkable and energetic time at the helm of the Castan Centre,” Professor Campbell said.
“We look forward to seeing what comes next for the Centre, building on its extraordinary legacy and impact on research, teaching, public engagement and law reform, drawing on Ronli’s expertise and deep understanding of the Centre's work.”
Looking ahead with a focus on human rights in practice
Throughout her academic career, Sifris has focused on issues at the intersection of law, gender and human rights. Her work has examined abortion, assisted reproduction, surrogacy and broader questions of reproductive justice.
She has consistently engaged with both domestic and international legal frameworks, contributing to scholarship that connects legal theory with the realities faced by individuals and communities.
This perspective aligns closely with the Castan Centre’s emphasis on practical human rights outcomes. The Centre is known not only for its research but for its commitment to translating that work into meaningful change through policy engagement and education.
The appointment of Associate Professor Ronli Sifris promises a period of continuity and renewal for the Castan Centre.
With experience spanning academic research, institutional leadership and national law reform, she brings a combination of insight and practical expertise that positions the Centre well for its next phase.