Academic calls on universities to help prevent radicalisation: A University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor has called on higher education institutions around the world to help prevent young people moving into radicalisation by fostering self esteem and critical thinking. But a counter-terrorism expert warns that universities can also be breeding grounds for extremism, especially in developing countries.

ELEANOR HALL: A Vice-Chancellor at Queensland University has called on higher education institutions around the world to help prevent young people moving into radicalisation and terrorism.

But a counter-terrorism expert is warning against this approach, as Katherine Gregory explains.

KATHERINE GREGORY: There's been a lot of discussion from politicians about how to make sure young people aren't radicalised.

The Vice Chancellor from the University of Southern Queensland, Jan Thomas, also has an idea and it involves universities.

JAN THOMAS: That ultimately builds resilience and resistance to notions of extremism, which do not readily accept that kind of critical and informed scrutiny.

I think also, we as universities have a role in improving students' capabilities and that critical thought so they can then go out...