Video produced by Griffith Film School.
About QDSA
Who Are We?
Established in 2021, the Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is a university-led initiative funded by the Queensland Government, the Defence Science and Technology Group and member universities including:
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- The University of Queensland
- Charles Darwin University
We are also a part of the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN). ADSUN is the collective of the state-sponsored Defence research and innovation networks. We work together to facilitate collaboration at a national level on real-world Defence problems.
Meet Our Team
Terry Nichols
INDEPENDENT CHAIR TO THE QDSA BOARD
Terry Nichols brings over 35 years of Defence and Industry experience across management and executive management roles. Terry is a strong collaborator with direct Board experience in the Defence domain with an extensive executive leadership background from key Defence Prime Contractors such as Boeing Defence Australia, Rheinmetall and UGL.
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Prior to Rheinmetall and Boeing Defence Australia, Terry was a commissioned officer in the Australian Army for 20 years.
Stuart Blackwell
DIRECTOR
Stu Blackwell has come onboard as Director to bring strong leadership and help position QDSA for the coming year through developing a strategy and clear plan of activities. Stu has extensive experience of working with Defence, defence industry, government and universities, and the delivery of collaborative programs at scale.
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Stu is a veteran who has previously held roles with Northrop Grumman Australia and Qantas Defence Services, and is the Director of Ten Seven Six Pty Ltd which provides consultancy services to Defence and Space industry Primes.
Dr Roger Stuckey
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Roger is a Senior Research Scientist in the Capability Analysis area of the Defence Science and Technology Group and has been with the organisation for over 25 years. During that time he has held positions in Air, Maritime and Joint domains, as well as placements within several Universities and the Australian Defence Force.
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Roger has a considerable background over a broad range of areas in defence science, as well as significant experience in external engagement and collaboration. He has expertise in a number of scientific and technical fields including simulation, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics, along with postgraduate qualifications in engineering, information technology, management and scientific leadership. His current role as the Associate Director of the Queensland Defence Science Alliance is to facilitate engagement between industry, academia and the Department of Defence.
Joanne Lubke
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT OFFICER
Joanne is a recent graduate of Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University and is excited to be part of the Queensland Defence Science Alliance in an administrative and operations support role. Joanne has an extensive administrative, operations, and finance background working in industry and wholesale in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales.
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Other qualifications include a Diploma of Business from Southern Cross University. Although a NSW devotee Joanne enjoys living in Queensland. Her current role as Executive Support Officer is to support senior management within Queensland Defence Science Alliance in all areas to assist with the engagement between industry, academia and the Department of Defence
Our Purpose
Our purpose at QDSA is to accelerate the delivery of capability to the Australian Defence Force. We unite the Defence Science ecosystem in Queensland by connecting the best minds from academia, industry and Defence to focus on Defence and National Security Priorities.
We serve with the following purpose:
- Foster collaboration and skills exchange;
- Identify opportunities for research and
- Technology development;
- Provide advice on Defence priorities, capabilities, needs and gaps; and
- Promote and showcase Queensland Defence research and innovation capability.
FOCUS AND SCALE
Making a Positive Impact
We’re here to help focus research and innovation in areas that make a difference to Defence. We help to articulate the challenges in Defence so the right problems are solved by the best people. At QDSA we do not undertake research ourselves. Instead, we facilitate research across the university, government and industry sectors by:
- Providing grants focused on capability development guided by Defence sponsors;
- Hosting networking events, information sessions and engagement activities;
- Running information sessions on Defence initiatives
- Hosting internship opportunities in the Defence industry
- Advocating capability in Queensland universities and industry
- Achieving scale output by brokering multi-party and multidisciplinary partnerships
We achieve scale of output by brokering multi-party and multidisciplinary partnerships.
How can QDSA help you?
Need help with part of a Defence related problem that you haven’t solved yet? Or maybe you’re looking for feedback on your innovation from future users in Defence? Contact us today and we will help you to connect with someone that can assist.
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