Tahlia Peterson

Tahlia is a Research Fellow in the Cyber and Tech team. Her research focusses on the national security and geopolitical implications of disruptive technologies including AI, quantum technologies, advanced connectivity and engineering biology. Tahlia has a particular interest in 'research security', including the protection of intellectual property, knowledge and expertise in emerging science and technology fields from malign transfer to foreign state actors and their proxies. Her work also examines the security implications of China's technological development and pursuit of strategic advantage across emerging fields on the UK and its allies.

Prior to joining RUSI, Tahlia completed a fellowship at Chatham House supported by the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation. Based in Chatham House's UK in the World Programme, she led a research project examining how the UK can design and implement an effective and proportionate ‘research security’ policy strategy. From 2019 to 2025, Tahlia served as a strategic analyst for the Australian Government, where she delivered high-level assessments and advice on security issues across the Indo-Pacific region to senior decision-makers in government, partner governments and other stakeholders.

She holds a Masters of National Security Policy from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of International and Global Studies/ Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney.