New Institute To Focus On World Leading Defence Research

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29th October 2010, 07:00pm - Views: 1133





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THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel




Friday, 29 October 2010

10/10

MEDIA RELEASE


New Institute to focus on world leading Defence research


An important strategic partnership between the Department of Defence, and the

University of Melbourne, will help create smarter defence solutions for a safer

Australia, and deliver the benefits of increased academic engagement.


Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP said the

Defence Science Institute (DSI) will undertake multi-disciplinary world-leading

research to enhance the safety of defence personnel, enabling them to ‘work

smarter.’


“This exciting initiative will provide an important avenue for Defence to tap into some

of the best and the brightest scientists and researchers in the country,” Mr Snowdon

said.


Defence will contribute through the Defence Science and Technology Organisation

(DSTO) and Melbourne University will be supported by the Victorian Government.


Victoria’s Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development has

committed $3 million in funding, over the next three years, to support six initial

research topics: biological systems, human protection and performance, signature

management, energy and propulsion systems, micro-radar technologies, and

intelligent information systems.


DSTO will invest more than $2.5 million funding, in cash and in-kind support,

throughout the three year period. Additionally, the University of Melbourne will

contribute some $11.5 million equivalent.


“The DSI’s technical objectives, including improved detection of concealed targets,

and advanced control systems for future electro-mechanical land and sea based

propulsion systems, will directly enhance our defence capabilities,” Mr Snowdon said. 


“Finding inexpensive and unobtrusive ways to monitor human interactions associated

with disease transmission, and improving decision making under difficult

environmental stressors, will significantly aid defence personnel safety.” 


Mr Snowdon said the DSI provides a vehicle for a diversity of leading researchers

and innovators to work collaboratively.


“Within five years the DSI expects to expand its network of researchers, to embrace

researchers employed by small to medium firms and major Defence prime

companies. 


The Centre, once fully operational, will also play a valuable and important role in the

training and mentoring of more than 50 PhD students in associated fields of study.

 

“It will also provide strategically focused, project based seed funding, to help attract

and inspire the next generation of defence scientists and create real opportunities for

researchers who may otherwise be excluded from this fundamentally important band

of research and development,” Mr Snowdon said. 


Media contacts:

Alice Plate (Mr Snowdon)

    02 6277 7820

Steve D’Arcy (DSTO)                        03 9626 7133 of 0419 991 909

Defence Media Liaison


02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664








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