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The university has become the first tertiary institution in Australia to host zone 4 classified, secret-rated defence research.
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Governor-General David Hurley has officially opened a new research building located within the Geelong Future Economy Precinct at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus.
The $18 million building is set to extend the capacity of Deakin’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), housing ‘zone 4 classified, secret-rated’ defence research, building on existing developments in the fields of motion simulation, robotics and haptics, defence systems, and modelling and simulation.
The new and existing projects expected to be supported by the building's custom-designed spaces, include:
- a human factors electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory for advanced research in using EEG and other bio-medical equipment for cognitive load and human performance measurement;
- a haptics and force laboratory that replicates and extends IISRI’s current capability in frontline research in haptics, force sensing, biomechanics, system modelling, virtual reality, augmented reality and EEG experimentation to measure the electrical activity of the brain;
- a neural and cognitive systems laboratory to assist with neurophysiological studies looking at the underlying behaviour and properties of neurons; and
- an electronics and fabrication area for electronic prototyping and assembly of components and machines.
This marks the first time in which an Australian university has been equipped to house such research, providing a secure research environment suitable for the Department of Defence and the defence industry.
“Through the expanded capacity this building provides to IISRI, Deakin will play an even stronger leadership role in technological discovery, advancement and innovation,” Deakin University vice-chancellor Professor Iain Martin said.
“The building houses the next generation technologies for defence-related research and development and entrepreneurship activities at Deakin.
“It will also enable us to continue to build on the university’s already strong relationships with local industry through the Geelong Future Economy Precinct and the benefits this provides to the community.”
IISRI director Professor Saeid Nahavandi noted the benefits of the new building in advancing a range of R&D and technology innovation initiatives.
“This new building is home to a variety of state-of-the-art technologies in intelligent systems, encompassing robotic and haptic, modelling and simulation, as well as human performance measurement and assessment,” Professor Nahavandi said.
“These facilities coupled with the world-class research and innovation capabilities of the team of over 100 researchers and our strong university-government-industry-community partnerships, will enable us to continue to translate research into real social impact through generation of economic values and creation of jobs, delivering benefits to our local, regional, and national communities.”
Deakin’s deputy vice-chancellor, research, Professor Julie Owens, added, “IISRI has a well-earned reputation for being at the cutting edge of new technology and innovation and for making a positive impact for our communities.
“As one of Deakin’s seven research institutes, IISRI is integral to many elements of the university’s education and research priorities, such as creating smarter technologies, building safe and secure communities and advancing society, culture and the economy.
“This important work is set to go from strength to strength with the new facilities available to the IISRI researchers.”
