The ANU Law School is celebrating the success of Dr Wanshu Cong, who has been named a Co‑Investigator on a major international research project examining how artificial intelligence (AI) should be governed in outer space.

The project, Governing AI in the Final Frontier, led by Dr Maria Manoli at the University of Aberdeen, has secured £299,999.65 in competitive research funding from The British Academy. The interdisciplinary team brings together leading experts from around the world, including Professor Upsana Dasgupta (OP Jindal Global University), Professor Lukas Vanhonnaeker (University of Montreal), Professor Georgious D. Kyriakopoulos (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), and Dr Stefania Soldini (University of Liverpool).

Representing Australia on this global team, Dr Cong will contribute her expertise in international law, critical legal studies, and the intersection of law and technology. Her involvement highlights the ANU Law School’s reputation as Australia’s national law school - one uniquely positioned at the intersection of law, policy, and national capability.

Professor Ryan Goss, Head of School at the ANU Law School, congratulated Dr Cong: 

"This opportunity is terrific recognition of Dr Cong’s expertise and vision. It also reflects the vibrant research culture of which ANU Law is proud, and which we continue to prioritise."

Dr Cong’s participation in this project reflects the School’s strength in international law and commitment to shaping legal frameworks for rapidly evolving technologies. The project will explore how legal frameworks must evolve to govern the complex ecosystem of state and non-state actors – satellite operators, insurance companies, standards bodies, industry associations, and civil society organisations – now controlling space AI.

Dr Cong said the project will ask foundational questions about world ordering and deliver actionable recommendations to ensure accountability. The project offers her an exciting opportunity to link her historical and critical work to the most frontier areas of law and technology.