Ruby Saulwick

Research Officer

Ruby Saulwick

At the Lab, our Research Officer Ruby brings sharp insight, creative energy and a deep curiosity for development in the Indo-Pacific. With a strong foundation in research, writing and synthesis, she helps shape the Lab’s publications, distil insights across projects, and surface connections others might miss. Ruby is known for her clear-headed analysis and can-do attitude—someone who moves fluidly between the big picture and the finer details, and brings structure and spark to everything she touches.

She’s especially interested in the intersection of ideas: connecting dots across disciplines, people, and policy conversations to generate new ways of thinking. The team loves Ruby’s ability to jump into anything—from stakeholder engagement to visual design—and her grounded, people-first approach to development. She’s a thoughtful and proactive contributor with a background as a youth advocate and journalist, and a growing reputation as someone who brings both intellectual depth and collaborative flair to the table.

Ruby is currently completing a Bachelor of International Relations (Development and Political Science) and a Bachelor of Economics at the Australian National University. She’s previously worked across government, research, and civil society—including with KONEKSI and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership—and has spent time in Fiji, Indonesia, Ireland and France through her studies.

When she’s not working at the Lab, you’ll find Ruby exploring Canberra’s bushland on foot or by bike, embarking on multi-day hikes, or whipping up elaborate dinners for her friends.

Areas of Expertise

  • The intersection of economic development and public policy
  • Gender, inclusion, and people-centred development
  • Long-form research, data synthesis, and policy analysis
  • Media, communications, and visual design thinking

Recent Commentary

Pulse Check x Australia's Agenda
May 2025
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Pulse Check
Pulse Check x Australia's Agenda
co-author:

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Balancing the books on Australian statecraft
November 2024
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The Interpreter
Balancing the books on Australian statecraft
co-author:

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Balancing Act: 25 years of Australian international Budgets
November 2024
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Our Analysis
Balancing Act: 25 years of Australian international Budgets
co-author:

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State Effectiveness Roundup
October 2024
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Our Analysis
State Effectiveness Roundup
co-author:
Heather Murphy

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