Image courtesy of Samuli Haataja
Throughout the year, the Library profiles the work of outstanding Griffith researchers. In our first profile of 2025, we feature Associate Professor Samuli Haataja from the Griffith Law School. Samuli’s research delves into the intersections between cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and international law. We asked Samuli about his journey into research, the projects he’s been working on and his advice for emerging researchers.
What sparked your passion for your research area?
My research looks at state-sponsored cyber operations under international law. In other words, situations where nation-states engage through malicious or hostile cyber means with each other. This can involve anything from election interference to disruptive or destructive attacks in another state. My interest in this area was originally sparked during my undergraduate studies when our lecturer discussed the idea of cyber warfare in a course on public international law. I was studying both law and international relations at the time and became interested in the new activities that states were engaging in through cyber means, as well as the relationship between law and technology in this context.
For my PhD, I examined cyber operations and international law on the use of force and used a novel theoretical framework to reconceptualise the harm caused by cyber activities to states. This research also formed the basis for my first book. Since then, my research has continued to examine how different areas of international law apply in the cyber context, including where states make use of so called ‘autonomous cyber weapons’. Through my research I aim to contribute to understanding how international law applies, and to advancing responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
‘A number of states around the world, including Australia, are investing in autonomous and AI enabled systems. My research explores how international law applies to these technologies…’
Can you tell us a bit about the projects you are currently working on, or have recently worked on?
I recently completed a project funded by the Australian Army on autonomous cyber capabilities and international law. A number of states around the world, including Australia, are investing in autonomous and AI enabled systems. My research explores how international law applies to these technologies and the legal risks associated with their use.
Currently, I’m working with Professor Dan Svantesson (Bond University) on a project looking at how to harness volunteers in cybersecurity and defence. This is in response to developments around the world, including in the United States where the federal government is undertaking a pilot civilian cybersecurity reserve program, and a number of US states have created similar structures. Our research will inform Australia about its options in this context based on best practices in other countries, and the legal and policy implications surrounding the use of volunteers in cybersecurity and defence.
If you had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from any discipline, what field would you choose, and why?
It would really depend on the research project in question and the types of expertise that would be needed for it. Cybersecurity and defence issues cut across a range of disciplines, from technical sciences to social sciences, and different disciplines and approaches (as well as inter and cross-disciplinary research) can make rich and valuable contributions to understanding an area of research.
‘A research career is not for everyone, but I personally find it an extremely rewarding one as you have the autonomy to shape your own research projects around your passions and interests…’
What advice would you give to students or early-career researchers interested in a research career?
For students interested in research, I’d recommend speaking to your lecturers about their research and with academics who work in areas that you have an interest in and consider completing an honours or masters thesis as part of your studies. This will give you a taste of what research is like in your field generally and can develop into pathways for a PhD.
A research career is not for everyone, but I personally find it an extremely rewarding one as you have the autonomy to shape your own research projects around your passions and interests, teach students and make a difference with your work. If you’re interested in my field in particular, I recommend you start with my Cyber International Law elective course that I teach at Griffith!
For early career researchers, I’d recommend an overall persistency with your research and ensure that you protect your research time (particularly if you’re in a balanced academic role), develop and take advantage of collaboration and other opportunities in your field and seek mentors and more experienced researchers that can support your development. And make sure you leave time for other things in life outside of research too.
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If you would like to find out more, check out the research study web page.
