A research network that provides universities and industry with a direct link to Defence has become national with the addition of the Northern Territory’s Charles Darwin University.
Charles Darwin University joined the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) on Tuesday, giving the top end representation on the network for the first time.
ADSUN connects Defence with the wider innovation and research community across Australia to ensure it has visibility of the technologies being developed at the country’s universities.
It is made up of five state-sponsored Defence research and innovation networks, each of which has a dedicated senior Defence scientist from the Defence Scientist and Technology Group (DSTG).
The network also allows Defence to “signal” priorities at the early stages of research to help researchers, SMEs and startups develop solutions that can become sovereign Defence capability.
“By co-locating senior scientists… in ADSUN, we can collaborate to foster new ideas through the development cycle, or leverage emerging commercial technologies for dual-use,” chief defence scientist Tanya Monro said.
Charles Darwin University has become a member of the Queensland Defence Science Alliance, joining existing members James Cook University, Griffith University and the University of Queensland.
It will bring expertise in remote area drone operations, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to the node, which has existing strengths in trust autonomy, quantum, artificial intelligence, hypersonics and space.
Charles Darwin University deputy vice-chancellor of research and innovation, Steve Rogers, said joining the node was a “logical step” that aligns with Defence’s aim for ADSUN to become 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,” Professor Rogers said.
Labor MP Luke Gosling, who visited Charles Darwin University’s Northern Australian Centre for Autonomous System on Tuesday, said the collaboration will see “greater defence-focused collaboration for the benefit of our defence and national security”.
“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,” Mr 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.”
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