In this August recap, we share a handful of exciting funding announcements for Queensland researchers through our QDSA HDR Capability Grants and Round 2 of the Artificial Intelligence for Decision Making (AI4DM) initiative.
There have also been a plethora of networking and collaboration opportunities sparked – some we can share now, others to be revealed later. Here at QDSA, we’ve been buoyed by the appetite from countless Queensland businesses and research organisations to embrace these new opportunities.
Two QDSA Funded HDR Capability Grants Awarded for 2021
We look forward to announcing the first two successful recipients from QUT and UQ in our next monthly wrap in. During August the QDSA team have been busy organising Defence sponsors from DSTG for these two recipients, so stay tuned!
Don’t forget, there are still 5 QDSA HDR Grants available for this calendar year at the universities shown below. Find out how you can apply here.
- University of Sunshine Coast
- Griffith University
- University of Southern Queensland
- James Cook University
- Central Queensland University
Five Queensland Recipients for AI4DM Round 2 Initiative
Back in May, QDSA invited Queensland businesses, universities and research institutions to apply for the second round of the AI4DM initiative.
We are pleased to report that there have been 5 successful Queensland applicants. Read more about the recipients and their projects here.
QDSA hosted Deputy Chief of Navy visit to QUT
In late August, QUT hosted Deputy Chief of Navy and Head Navy People Training and Resources, Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, and Captain Phillipa Hay Commanding Officer HMAS Moreton for a tour showcasing capability in artificial intelligence, bio-inspired mapping and navigation as well as undersea surveillance with autonomous vehicles.
The visit included a demonstration of an underwater autonomous system high fidelity simulator and further information about QUT’s underwater autonomous systems research, applied superconductivity technologies and QUT’s Centre for Robotics.
This visit was facilitated and made possible by QDSA, Centre for Defence Industry Capability & Defence Innovation Hub.
Defence and Industry Networking
Here is a small selection of the networking and collaboration opportunities that have been initiated throughout the month of August that we can share. With plenty more exciting developments underway, we cannot wait to reveal more over the coming months!
QDSA Associate Director, Jeremy Anderson met with Grant Joy from Protegas Australia. Offering intelligence and security managed services, including partnered intelligence capability, training and DISP advisory; QDSA will continue to help Protegas network with relevant industry in Queensland.
QDSA also welcomed Major General (Retired) Adam Findlay, AO, PhD, Professor of Practice, Defence and Regional Security, Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University. QDSA will work closely with Dr Findlay to grow Griffith University’s engagement with Defence and the wider Queensland industry.
QDSA Appoints Alliance Manager and Research Manager
We are thrilled to announce the following appointments to the QDSA team:
Mark Witham
Mark Witham joins QDSA as our Alliance Manager. Mark has extensive experience in higher education with a special focus on engagement activities, physical and mental health, safety and wellness, research operations and facilities management. He is a recognised champion for mental health and well-being as a recipient of UQ Research and Innovation Portfolio Staff Awards 2020 and UQ Excellence Awards 2021.
Mark will have several core responsibilities here at QDSA and will be responsible for managing Alliance physical and fiscal assets, project management, and overseeing our health, safety and wellness programs.
When questioned, Mark shared his excitement at being part of the team and is particularly looking forward to QDSA playing a key role in boosting the defence industry and university research partnerships in Queensland.
Readers might be amused to learn that Mark has hidden talents too! He recently joined a weekly gymnastics class and is learning to walk on his hands. We’re expecting photo evidence of this considerable achievement very soon!
Dr Gulay Mann
QDSA welcomes our new Research Manager, Dr Gulay Mann. With extensive experience in strategic planning and coordination for Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Gulay brings a unique set of knowledge and skills to the team.
Gulay was a founding team member of Defence Science Institute (the Victorian equivalent of QDSA). In this role, Gulay’s focus was to bring together Victorian-based Universities, industry and DSTG to focus on ADF priorities. This experience aligns heavily with her new role here at QDSA.
As the QDSA Research Manager, Gulay will be responsible for research capability mapping, capability statements, briefing & position papers and reporting. She will also cover Alliance Network development & proposals, identifying and developing key networking opportunities, stakeholder relationship development, directorial management support and research development of Defence STaR SHOT priorities across QDSA Member Universities.
Gulay believes that there is a major opportunity for Queensland to be a stronger player in meeting the needs of Defence for research and industry capability. Through her work with QDSA, Gulay hopes to play a pivotal role in bringing together researchers to achieve this.
With such a full plate, you may expect that Gulay wouldn’t have much time for leisure activities, but she loves to wind down in the Australian natural environment by enjoying regular bush walks with her partner.
QDSA Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Want to find out more about the QDSA’s upcoming events and opportunities?
Check out our News section on our website here or subscribe to our e-newsletter here.
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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.
