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Five cutting-edge research projects have received a funding boost to develop real-world technologies that tackle some of Defence’s most challenging issues as part of a research partnership between Defence and the Queensland Defence Science Alliance’s 2024 Collaborative Research Grants program.
Under the Queensland Defence Science Alliance’s (QDSA) 2024 Collaborative Research Grant, each winning project will receive up to $250,000 over the next 18 months, with additional co-funded investment bringing the total value in this round to more than $3 million.
QDSA is one of five state-sponsored Defence research and innovation networks under the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) which connects Defence with researchers from universities, industry and the broader research community. This partnership provides the nation with some of the best research and development capabilities and offers researchers the opportunity to apply their work to real-world problems.
Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing both current and emerging Defence priorities.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to all recipients, but in particular to Charles Darwin University as the newest member to QDSA under the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network,” Monro said.
The highly competitive grant program attracted 41 submissions from across Queensland and the Northern Territory, the winning projects include:
- Transitioning to quantum-safe - a collaboration between the University of Queensland, Griffith University, the University of the Sunshine Coast and Semicon Pty Ltd, this project is designed to defend against quantum threats. The team aims to accelerate the transition of quantum-safe applications that are critical to national security, ensuring they remain resilient against future challenges.
- Integrating long-range cargo UAVs into the battlespace operating systems - this initiative, involving Charles Darwin University, Griffith University, SAI Dynamics Pty Ltd and Safran, will develop, test and trial the delivery of medical items over long distances using Australian-made heavy-fuel uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV).
- Autonomous littoral AI marine threat detection system - Griffith University, in partnership with Charles Darwin University and EPE Pty Ltd, is working on a capability that integrates an uncrewed ground vehicle, remote electromagnetic sensors and an uncrewed aerial system. The resulting self-contained mobile unit will be optimised for detecting subsurface objects, bathymetric changes and activity in littoral environments.
- 3D printing ceramics for temperature resistant and load-bearing aerostructures - James Cook University, collaborating with the University of Queensland and Lockheed Martin Australia, is set to 3D print and test ceramic structures for thermal management in emerging hypersonic applications.
- Rapid medical supply delivery - the University of Queensland, Outer Loop Engineering and SAAB Australia are addressing the critical challenge of trauma care by developing a system that can deliver medical supplies from launch to patient within 72 seconds over a distance of five kilometres.
These projects were selected under one of five themes that align with the research priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
“The awarding of these grants underscores the vital role our Australian universities and industry partners play in contributing to homegrown Defence capability,” Monro said.
