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Ryan McClenaghan has been appointed as the new director of defence and space at the University of South Australia.
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The new appointment will be responsible for steering research and education across the sector at a pivotal time in the nation’s defence history.
McClenaghan has made a substantial impact in his most recent role as director, defence and national security at Fleet Space Technologies, one of Australia’s leading satellite companies with a global presence. During his three-year tenure at Fleet Space, McClenaghan secured millions of dollars in defence contracts.
At University of South Australia (UniSA), he will draw on his extensive international experience with defence companies, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, including working across the AUKUS partnership with government and industry.
Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, McClenaghan moved to Australia in 2006, co-founding two start-up companies and working in various roles in the intervening years, including with the Australian Industry Group and Micro-X, an award-winning ASX-listed X-ray technology company.
Announcing the appointment, UniSA director: enterprise partnerships, Peter Stevens, said McClenaghan will strengthen the university’s defence and space footprint with industry and governments in Australia and worldwide.
“South Australia is at the forefront of Australia’s space and defence sector, responsible for delivering a $368 billion nuclear submarine construction project for the AUKUS alliance, hosting the Australian Space Agency, and supporting more than 100 space-related companies,” Stevens said.
“Academia, industry and government need to work hand in hand to ensure the sector thrives, highlighting the importance of this appointment. Ryan and his experienced team will work closely to bridge the gap between innovation and operational efficiency as well as collaborating to develop the skills required to deliver on our commitments.”
UniSA has bolstered its sector credentials in recent years with programs like the Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space, software degree apprenticeships with BAE Systems and ASC, the Venture Catalyst Space program and the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program.
“All these underpin our strengths in research and collaboration in areas such as the SmartSat CRC and iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, which will be amplified by the creation of Adelaide University in 2026, bringing together the state’s two biggest universities,” Stevens said.
McClenaghan said he is looking forward to leading UniSA’s defence and space strategy at such a critical time.
“As Australia seeks to grow its sovereign defence and capabilities, and Adelaide University is created, it is more important than ever that we align research with industry engagement and technology transfer and support the skills required for the future,” McClenaghan said.
He will commence his new role on Monday, 14 October.
