Words. Evidence. Consquences.

Rod Cowan is a writer and independent researcher with more than three decades’ experience producing speeches, articles, essays, and documentary material for public and professional audiences. His work sits at the intersection of security, institutions, conflict, and human consequence, with an emphasis on evidence-led reporting and plain language over punditry.

He writes for corporations, government-linked environments, NGOs, universities, and independent professionals, and has worked across mainstream and trade media as well as scripted video for government and business.

Before moving into media and communications, he served as an unarmed UK police officer and investigator. That background shaped his approach: ask better questions, listen carefully, corroborate what can be corroborated, and let readers judge for themselves.

International experience

Rod  Cowan brings real-world expertise working with businesses, government departments, NGOs, charities, and unsung heroes around the world.

He has helped individuals and organisations improve their communication, teamwork, and increased cooperation.

Commercial

Major brands, such as ADT, Qantas, Emirates Airline, Australian and UK airports, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Helping small-to-medium-size businesses grow, including security companies, electronic security equipment suppliers, monitoring centres, property developers, legal practices, tourist destinations, manufacturers, websites, and retailers.

Academic

• Australian National University, Australia

• Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

• Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia

• University of Chicago, USA

• University of Minho, Portugal

Government

• Attorney-General’s Department and Office of Transport Security, Australia

• UAE Department of Defence and National Security Institute, Abu Dhabi

• Dubai Police

• United Nations CounterTerrorism Executive Directorate

• Parliament of Georgia, Tbilisi, United States Congress, and government agencies

• NGOs and advisories

contributing to

conversations

  • Behavioural Analysis 2024

  • PCVE Media workshop, Tbilisi, Georgian Center for Strategy and Development (GCSD)

  • Security is Your Business I, II, III DVDs

  • AVSEC2010 DVD

  • IATA AVSEC Conferences Sydney, Vancouver, Seoul.

  • AVSEC World Hong Kong

  • AVSEC World Dubai

  • CYMASS (cyber and mass gathering) conference, Dubai

  • Dubai Police mass gatherings and technology

  • Media Response Dubai

  • Australian Security Medals Foundation MC, Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Town Hall

  • Australian Office of Transport Aviation Security Screening Review

  • University of Chicago/United National Counter Terrorism Directorate colloquium on soft targets

  • International Review of Terrorism livestream

  • CECRI University of Minho Portugal International Security Conference hybrid presentation

  • Truman Foundation live stream on American Political Violence livestream

  • Holocaust Museum Insurrection livestream

  • Chuck Hagel annual lecture and Madelaine Albright remembrance video

  • Video focus groups across America on extremist views

  • Presentation to senior White House National Security

  • Tbilisi Parliamentary staff training on media management

  • National Security Institute Abu Dhabi management course

  • Edith Cowan University review of AVSEC diploma course

  • Courses on:

    • Social media threat

    • Intercultural communications

    • Investigative interviewing

    • Investigative report writing

    • Sexual violence prevention

  • Macquarie University Masters Security & Media Studies (PICT805) unit

  • Security Australia magazine communications training