Dr Susan Carland

Based in the National Centre for Australian Studies at Monash University, Dr Susan Carland is an early career researcher with expertise in gender studies, politics and sociology. The co-presenter and co-creator of ‘Australian Journey’, Susan takes principal carriage of its interview series, ‘Susan Carland: In Conversation’. Susan’s ground-breaking research, her commitment to public broadcasting, excellence in teaching and service to the community, have won wide-ranging respect and admiration.

Dr Susan Carland’s academic work engages some of the most pressing concerns of modern Australia. Her first monograph, Fighting Hislam was published by Melbourne University Press in 2016. It outstripped the sales of most academic monographs and was presented at the United Nations in Geneva. Prior to this, she co-authored a text for Oxford University Press with UNESCO Professor Gary Bouma. Dr Carland has contributed papers to diverse academic and popular forums including journals, websites, newspapers and anthologies.

One of Monash University’s most popular and innovative teachers, she pioneered new teaching strategies for international and domestic students, including intensive study tours across the Australian Landscape. Dr Carland convenes survey courses on contemporary Australia as well as specialist subjects on religion and intercultural competency.

Susan Carland is very much a public intellectual and has won popular acclaim as both a feminist and an advocate for her faith. In 2004, she was named Australian Muslim of the Year. She was also listed as one of the International ‘Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow’ by the UN Alliance of Civilisation and named by the Age newspaper as one of the 20 Most Influential Female Voices, and in 2017 was listed on "The Who's Who of Australian Women".

Alongside these influential public positions, Dr Carland has played an immensely important role in the Australian media, conveying complex and challenging issues to the widest possible audience. She is best known for her role on the Special Broadcasting Service, where she was the founding member and presenter of the comedy panel and sketch show, Salam Café. Dr Carland is also a regular paper reviewer for the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s TV News Breakfast, and has appeared on programs as diverse as the Agony series, Q&A, Studio Ten, Lateline, 7:30, The Circle, Sunrise, The Einstein Factor and Compass. She also hosted the ABC Radio National series, Assumptions. Hers is a strong and engaging voice on radio, including some of ABC Radio National’s most important public broadcasts.

In 2020, Susan took up a prestigious Churchill Fellowship, enabling her engagement with scholars and communities overseas.