Today we begin a series of articles introducing you to our QDSA Member Universities.
QDSA has partnered with seven key universities across Qld as we continue our efforts to increase Queensland’s capacity and capability for Defence research.
Each of these universities has unique capabilities and strengths in different technology and scientific research areas, and we are delighted to collaborate with each of them.
To kick off our series, we would like to introduce you to the University of Southern Queensland.
Regional University With Research Activity Focused on Space and Defence
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is a dynamic, regional University that has established its position as a prominent teaching and research institution. It provides education worldwide from three physical locations across Southeast Queensland (Toowoomba, Springfield, and Ipswich) with an extensive online presence. USQ’s mission is to drive economic and social development through higher education and research excellence.
Space and Defence-related research is a flagship of USQ’s research activity. USQ’s Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences (IAESS) focuses on delivering space and defence-related research, with strengths in developing hypersonic propulsion systems, advanced materials, and astrophysics.
The Institute is home to world-class infrastructure and equipment, including the Mount Kent Astronomical Observatory, a long duration hypersonic wind tunnel and a rocket lab, as well as one of Australia’s largest dedicated composite materials manufacturing and testing facilities.
To date, the Defence force has been able to utilise specific research projects completed by the University in their research and development.
Strengths in Defence and Science
USQ has significant strengths in its defence and science-focused initiatives. These include:
- Long duration Hypersonic wind tunnel.
- Defence rocket program.
- Rocket propellant manufacturing facility – solid fuel.
- Commercial Static rocket test site (200kN) horizontal. A vertical version is under construction.
- Industrial-scale composite filament winding for rocket motor casings and pressure vessels. An eight axis model is to be installed.
- Ultra-high-temperature composite materials (up to 1000 degrees C).
- Airborne observations and Earth re-entry systems.
- Additive manufactured Military Fast Jet Repair processes.
- Astrophysics – NASA exoplanet, DLR debris, Carlsberg SONG, and Fireball.
- Space Agriculture.
- Defence-related psychology research.
Specialised Departments and Faculties
Several USQ faculties and departments have dedicated focus on defence and science syllabus and research. These provide a variety of multidisciplinary pathways to Defence that are sometimes overlooked. These are:
- Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences incorporating:
- Centre for Astrophysics
- Centre for Agricultural Engineering
- Centre for Future Materials
- Hypersonics and Rocketry Research Program Team
- Faculty of Health
- School of Psychology and Counselling.
- Engineering and Sciences incorporating:
- School of Sciences
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Future Opportunities and Areas of Research and Development Focus
USQ has highlighted that they are particularly excited about collaborating with QDSA due to the many enhanced opportunities it will offer the university to connect with stakeholders and access funding opportunities. Access to HDR capability grants and QDSA facilitated industry events are of particular interest to USQ.
By being engaged in a local Defence research and development network, USQ foresees exposure to many opportunities for a coordinated approach to funding.
In addition to this, the University anticipates its continued and future focus on opportunities for postgraduate engagement with defence partners, such as defence or industry internships and focussed scholarships.
From USQ’s perspective, their key areas of focus for research and development will be (in terms of the Defence Priority Areas and Next Generation Technology Fund:
- Space Capabilities
- Multi-disciplinary Material Science; and
- Hypersonics.
USQ is home to Australia’s only Hypersonic Wind Tunnel. Our recent visit to the USQ Hypersonic Facility introduced QDSA to the wind tunnel, as well as another of the university’s leading pieces of research infrastructure – the Dual Ring Braider.
The visit inspired and fascinated the QDSA team, and we are looking forward to great things developing from our collaboration with USQ.
Learn more about our visit to the world-class USQ Hypersonic Facility 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.
