Encouraging the Growth of Sovereign Capability
Communication – Connection – Collaboration – These are our three strategic pillars at Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA). These pillars guide our daily work to advance sovereign capability in Australia. One of the key ways we do this is by facilitating site visits and demonstrations of the capability of our member universities to defence stakeholders.
Participation at these events is an essential step in learning about our members’ skills, resources, facilities, and knowledge and for our members to hear about the opportunities with Defence (Communication). The introductions to Defence personnel made by QDSA (Connection)have the potential to grow into partnerships with Defence and across our alliance (Collaboration).
DSTG Discussion and Visit: Griffith Technology & Capability Development
Across two jam-packed days -Tuesday 5th April and Wednesday 6th April – the QDSA team joined representatives from Griffith University and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) at two Griffith University Campuses for site tours and presentations aimed at showcasing the University’s capabilities and facilities relevant to nominated areas of DSTG interest.
The event was split across two days, with Day 1 based at Griffith University Nathan Campus and Day 2 located on the grounds of Griffith University Gold Coast Campus.
Each day featured separate presentations and tours for representatives from DSTG.
Attending on behalf of DSTG were:
- Program Leader – Scientific Computing Mr Anthony Beitz
- Executive Director – Science and Technology Partnerships Mr Greg Redden
- Assistant Director – University Partnerships Mr Simon Stack
Representing Griffith University was:
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research Prof Lee Smith
- Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research Prof Andrea Bishop
- Professor of Practice – Defence and Regional Security Prof Adam Findlay AO
- Business and Industry Manager – Defence Industry Mr Hunter Walkenhorst
- Business and Industry Manager – Advanced Manufacturing Ms Malaika Ingram
- Business and Industry Manager – Physical Sciences Mr George Curran
- Business and Industry Manager – Business & Education Mr Liam McNamara
DSTG Relationship Executive Appointed to Griffith University
It was an especially important occasion. It formally recognised Anthony Beitz as the DSTG appointed Relationship Executive to Griffith University. With QDSA support, Anthony will play an essential role in focussing on relationships, strategic alignment with Defence and ensuring engagement with Defence is working.
Multi-discipline Presentations Across Priority Areas
Throughout the program, delegates enjoyed presentations across a broad spectrum of interest areas, including:
- Quantum (photonics/ sensors/ magnetometry/ sovereign NISQ computing capability);
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) (detection, identification, countermeasures, de-contamination);
- Human Factors (Physical and Cognitive);
- Space (satellite, sensor payloads, geo-stationary change detection);
- Cyber/ Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning/ cryptography;
- Big Data Analytics;
- Materials (nanotechnology, multi-functional structures, intelligent additive manufacturing);
- Advanced design and prototyping;
- Human-Machine Teaming/ Digital Twin;
- Disaster Management and National Resilience; and
- Disruptive systems thinking.
Day 1 – Griffith University Nathan Campus
As always, we were witness to engaging and impressive presentations across all areas. Australian Defence Science capability is progressing in leaps and bounds, and the Griffith University Capability Showcase highlighted this.
Morning presentations covered the interest areas of Resilient Multi-Mission Space (Space Enabled Sub-Systems) and Agile Command and Control, with focus topics ranging from power semiconductor switching, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), nutrition in Defence, post-disaster infrastructure delivery for resilience to situational awareness.
A break for lunch to refresh and regroup and we headed into the afternoon sessions covering interest areas of Quantum Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Remote Undersea Surveillance & Information Warfare and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defence.
Day 2 – Griffith University Gold Coast Campus
The day commenced with a tour of the G Sat – Space industry hub and presentations pertaining to the theme of Resilient Multi-Mission Space, showcasing Griffith’s capabilities in the areas of design, material optimisation and satellite image data analysis.
Throughout the day we progressed through multiple areas of interest including more on Agile Command and Control, Battle Ready Platforms and Operating in CBRN environments.
Presentations featured topics such as Biospine, the role of Big Data in Open Source Intelligence, Dynamic Multi-objective optimisation Problems (DMOPs), MRI diagnostics for blast trauma and PTSD, and Bioanalytical facility and capability.
Reflections on the Event
Professor Adam Findlay AO: “We greatly appreciate your (DSTG) commitment to learn more about Griffith’s many cutting-edge research areas. In particular, I would like to commend your highly constructive approach in identifying opportunities to deepen Griffith’s collaboration to support DSTG’s research leadership.”
Jeremy Anderson: “The appointment of a Relationship Executive by DSTG is an important strategic step for Defence in working more closely with Griffith University and we (QDSA) look forward to working with Anthony”.
Anthony Beitz: “Thank you for providing Defence with a comprehensive and well-structured overview of Griffith University’s Defence-related research projects, capabilities and infrastructure. It was great to hear from your academics and learn about the breadth of opportunities and advantages offered by Griffith University.”
Greg Redden: “The diverse range of projects presented by Griffith’s researchers clearly demonstrates the University’s commitment to translating research into Defence capability. The standard of mid-to-high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies developed in collaboration with Industry is very impressive.”
Simon Stack: “Griffith’s investments into manufacturing, fabrication and testing infrastructure such as Queensland Mico Nantechnology Centre (QMNC), Advanced Design Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT), the Space Industry Hub, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD) and the Glycomics Institute open up entirely new avenues for Defence collaboration on field-ready technologies.”
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.
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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.
