UQ Member University Profile
Throughout 2022 we will continue our series of articles showcasing our QDSA Member Universities.
We have partnered with seven Queensland universities to connect and grow the state’s capacity and sovereign capability for Defence research.
Our member universities demonstrate unique strengths and facilities across various technology, defence and scientific research areas.
Today we introduce you to the University of Queensland, which has several campuses and research facilities across Brisbane and regional areas throughout Queensland.
One of Australia’s Top Research-Intensive Universities
The University of Queensland has maintained a reputation for excellence for more than a century by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world. UQ consistently ranks among the world’s top universities, reflecting UQ’s global standing, the high quality of our researchers, teaching staff and alumni, and our reputation for excellence.
Defence and Space Research
As a global top-50 university, UQ is eager to direct its world-class research and education strengths to meet the needs of organisations working in competitive domains at the cutting edge of technological change. This includes the defence sector, where UQ works in partnership with the Australian and Queensland governments, industry, allied partners and universities to deliver on defence-related research, innovation and education priorities.
UQ is a founding member of the Defence Materials Technology Centre focused on advancing research into manufacturing and joining processes for metals. We are also a research partner of the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre (TAS Defence CRC), the first Defence CRC.
For nearly two decades, UQ has worked in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) on research and demonstration of hypersonic technologies. This partnership has been integral to the success of the HySHOT, HyCAUSE, SCRAMSPACE and HIFiRE hypersonic flight programs. UQ’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology is also home to the Boeing Research and Technology Centre-Australia Technology Centre, facilitating UQ-Boeing collaborations to advance aerospace innovations.
Whilst the university’s strongest defence partnerships lie in hypersonics, materials, and quantum technologies, the university has several areas of research focus and capabilities highly relevant to defence and space applications. These include:
- Quantum and Photonic Sensing
- Cybersecurity and Information Warfare
- Medical Countermeasures
- Artificial Intelligence
- Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Trusted Autonomous Systems
- Robotics and Automated Systems
- Command and Control
- Undersea Technologies
- Composite Materials
- Remote Sensing and Earth Observation
Defence Research Infrastructure and Facilities
UQ has an extensive world-class infrastructure dedicated to defence research. UQ is proceeding with an application for Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership to support its ability to undertake research of national strategic importance to Defence and other Australian Government agencies.
In 2021 UQ established the Australian Program Office for Advanced Hypersonics (APOAH), which aims to assist Defence by accelerating research and demonstration of hypersonic technologies that can be rapidly translated into capability. The APOAH will be housed in a DISP Level 2 facility at UQ’s St Lucia campus.
Some facilities are unique to UQ, offering the only capability of their type in Australia.
Here is an overview of what is available:
- Hypersonic/Space Capabilities – T4 – Free-piston driven shock tunnel, X2 and X3 – Free-piston driven expansion tubes, Drummond tube/tunnel
- Medical Countermeasures – Terahertz laboratory, anechoic chamber (near- and far-field). The near-field was the first of its kind in an Australian university.
- Multidisciplinary material sciences – composite manufacturing, resin infusion, composite extrusion, small scale autoclave curing, high-temperature thermoplastic processing, high-pressure resin transfer moulding and reactive processing of thermoplastic composites.
- Material Testing Laboratory – Five Instron testing machines, including two EM frame machines, ARAMIS measuring system
- Micro and Nanofabrication – Australian National Fabrication Facility Queensland Node is a world-class micro and nanofabrication facility providing access to cutting-edge equipment with support from expert staff specialising in microfluidics, organic electronics, biomaterials, novel semiconductor materials and characterisation.
Collaborative Opportunities
UQ prides itself on working with government, industry and research organisations to grow, expand and strengthen industry capability.
By establishing its connection with QDSA as a member university, the University of Queensland focuses on recognising the potential of the talented students, researchers and professionals and supporting their efforts to expand sovereign capability across the country.
Learn more about University of Queensland research initiatives 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.
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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.
