QDSA 2021 HDR Capability Grant Recipients – QDSA is the facilitator of a wonderful opportunity for higher degree research (HDR) students across Queensland in the form of funding through capability grants.
We are pleased to be able to offer one grant to an eligible candidate from each of our seven Member universities per calendar year. The purpose of the grants is to support development and initiate Defence partnerships and capability advancement within relevant disciplines.
Each successful candidate will join the annual cohort as we provide ongoing support and opportunities, in addition to the awarded funding.
In 2021, QDSA has awarded HDR Capability Grants to candidates at three of our member universities –
- James Williamson representing University of Queensland
- David Sutton – Queensland University of Technology
- Lachlan Noller – University of Southern Queensland
James Williamson – University of Queensland
Project: Neuromuscular Biomechanics Lower-limb Exoskeletons
James’ unique project is focused on developing wearable technology that supports limb function to optimise physical performance and endurance.
In the form of lower-limb exoskeletons, the technology can be worn by soldiers and military personnel to allow them to move further and faster.
The exoskeleton device design and construction has been developed by James’ team in collaboration with the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, UQ Innovate and the UQ Advanced Prototyping Workshop at the University of Queensland.
Read more James Williamson’s project here.
David Sutton – Queensland University of Technology
Project: Laser-Driven Micro-Fabrication in Chemical Detection Systems
David and his team at the Queensland University of Technology Research Engineering Facility Flight Ops were awarded their QDSA HDR Capability Grant Funding to continue their work in laser-driven micro-fabrication.
Their prototype aims to extend the functionality of existing laser-based stand-off chemical detection systems from a point-and-detect system to a rotary scanning platform. This will enable the platform to detect compounds of concern in a wider variety of situations.
Lachlan Noller – University of Southern Queensland
Project: Increased Capability and Advancement of TUSQ Hypersonic Wind Tunnel
Representing the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Lachlan and his team were the most recent 2021 QDSA HDR Capability Grant Funding recipients.
The project is focused on developing new hardware that will expand the capabilities of Australia’s only hypersonic wind tunnel located at USQ.
The awarded funding has also opened additional avenues for the USQ Hypersonics Group to collaborate with DSTG Brisbane. This facilitates a direct pathway to Defence opportunities and the ability to meet specific testing requirements for large-scale models in the industry.
QDSA – Supporting Higher Degree Research Across Queensland
QDSA would like to congratulate all three of our 2021 recipients. We are enthusiastic about observing their research and supporting them in developing their HDR research findings into capability demonstrators for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Defence Research in Australia is growing exponentially with recent events such as the GWEO Enterprise Information Session recently
hosted by QDSA highlighting opportunities for innovators, scientists and researchers.
Our homegrown talent pool is gaining international recognition with its innovation and ground-breaking research, and QDSA is excited to be contributing to this.
Learn more about the QDSA HDR Capability Grants and check eligibility here.
QDSA Upcoming Events and Opportunities
QDSA has many upcoming events and opportunities, with more being added each week. Want to find out what is on the horizon? Check out our News section on our website here or subscribe to our e-newsletter here.
For real-time events and information, be sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
QDSA Upcoming Events and Opportunities
QDSA has many upcoming events and opportunities, with more being added each week. Want to find out what is on the horizon? Check out our News section on our website here or subscribe to our e-newsletter here.
For real-time events and information, be sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is a university-led initiative to grow and connect an agile Defence innovation ecosystem, leveraging Queensland’s strengths, to deliver trusted solutions to meet Defence requirements.
