Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash

Happy New Year, and welcome to the January edition of the DRN Newsletter! This month, we dive into the theme: What's it like to research the military/defence? In this issue, we explore the unique challenges, rewards, and  perspectives that come with researching such a complex and evolving  field.

We’re  excited to introduce the themes for 2025, alongside a (re)introduction  to our committee and a personal reflection from our co-chair Barış Çelik  (who also is this month's theme lead!). In his reflection, Barış  discusses the dual nature of defence research, highlighting its  intersection between intellectual inquiry and the realities of organised  violence. He also explores the ethical challenges that come with  researching military power and coercion, offering insight into how these  moral dilemmas shape his approach to the field.

This edition also features responses to January’s Question of the Month—What top tip would you give a new researcher who is interested in researching with or about the military/defence? Our contributors provide valuable advice based on their experiences, offering guidance to those new to the field.

Additionally,  we’re pleased to share our new Bluesky profile, along with a link to  connect and stay engaged with us on this exciting platform.

As always, our News from Our Community section  is filled with updates, along with details on upcoming events and  opportunities, so be sure to check out what’s coming up in the military  and defence research world.

Thank  you all for your continued contributions. Your engagement is what makes  our community thrive, and we look forward to seeing what 2025 has in  store!

Wishing you all the best for the year ahead!

Tegan Watt Harrison
Newsletter Editor
Defence Research Network

See the full newsletter here: What's it like to research the military/defence?

Visit the Newsletter Catalogue to catch up on all our past issues!