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The Australian Defence Science and Universities Network has been expanded to include the Northern Territory, bolstering Australia’s Defence research and innovation ecosystem.
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The introduction of Charles Darwin University (CDU) in the Northern Territory to the Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) will foster Defence-focused collaboration across the nation.
QDSA’s key strengths currently include trusted autonomy, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and space.
Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC highlighted that the collective of five state and defence-sponsored nodes will connect Defence with researchers and industry to aid the development of emerging technologies.
“Australia has world-class researchers and an innovative small and medium enterprise base,” Monro said.
“ADSUN provides Defence with a better understanding of what technologies are being developed by our universities and allows industry and the research community to form a better understanding of our priorities.”
Through the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN), Defence can signal priorities at the early stage of research and work with researchers, Australian small and medium enterprises and start-ups to develop solutions that can ultimately become capabilities acquired for the warfighter.
“By co-locating senior scientists from Defence Science and Technology Group in ADSUN, we can collaborate to foster new ideas through the development cycle, or leverage emerging commercial technologies for dual-use,” Monro said.
The Defence Industry Development Strategy recognised ADSUN’s critical role connecting industry with the Defence innovation system, to further sovereign Defence capability development.
CDU deputy vice-chancellor research and innovation professor Steve Rogers said the membership to Australia’s key innovation network for the defence industry was an advantageous move for the university and the nation.
“We are excited to join forces with QDSA and its Queensland members to forge new opportunities for CDU and NT industry in supporting defence research,” Rogers said.
“It’s a logical step to join an established ADSUN node, and one that is in alignment with defence’s aim for the network to have representation Australia-wide.
“Defence has a key role to play in the NT, comprising nearly 10 per cent of the territory economy, and Australia’s north, in general, has been recognised by the federal government as being strategically vital.
“Through joining QDSA, CDU will help open opportunities for the university and the wider local economy while also supporting our national security. When universities collaborate, it brings the best minds together to help solve problems and advance local industry.”
Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM MP was thrilled for CDU to join the network.
“The expansion of the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network to include the Northern Territory is a win-win for Australian Defence Force, defence industry and the university research sector,” Gosling said.
“CDU has a history of support for defence, including for training, health services, and advanced research and development.
“As the territory’s university, I have no doubt CDU will enrich this important national research network through our expertise on tropical health, remote area drone operations, advanced manufacturing and cyber security.
“Charles Darwin University joining the Queensland Defence Science Alliance and therefore the Australian Network, will see greater defence-focused collaboration for the benefit of our defence and national security.”
