A British-Australian woman who has been sentenced to 10 years in a notorious Iranian prison has been identified as Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a Cambridge-educated academic specialising in Middle Eastern politics.

Dr Moore-Gilbert, who was working as a lecturer and researcher for Melbourne University's Asia Institute and has published work on authoritarian governance and activism in the Middle East, was jailed in October 2018.

However, her detention had not been reported in case it harmed the prospects of her release.

On Saturday, the Australian government confirmed Dr Moore-Gilbert was being held in prison in Iran.

A statement from the family of Dr Moore-Gilbert, who is incarcerated in Evin prison, said they were in close contact with Australian authorities on the matter.

"Our family thanks the Government and the University of Melbourne for their ongoing support at this distressing and sensitive time.

"We believe that the best chance of securing Kylie's safe return is through diplomatic channels." It is not known what Dr Moore-Gilbert was charged with, but 10-year terms are routinely given in Iran for spying.

She is one of two British-Australian women whose detentions in Iran have come to light in the past week.