MP Luke Gosling praises Charles Darwin University’s decision to join Australia’s Defence Science and Universities Network

Charles Darwin University has landed a deal to join an ambitious network of universities that believe they can provide scientific and technological capability in support of national security. Read why the arrangement is a ‘win-win’, according to a local MP.

Matthew Worrad, North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) Drone Operations, Professor Hamish Campbell, (NACAS) Director, Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM MP and Professor Steve Rogers, CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation.

Charles Darwin University has joined an ambitious group of universities tasked with bolstering Australia’s Defence research, with one Federal MP describing the institution’s inclusion as a “win-win”.

On Tuesday, CDU announced it had officially joined the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network in a bid to leverage its research teams towards contributing to Defence projects.

ADSUN, established to facilitate research across the university, government and industry sectors, welcomed CDU to its Queensland branch - Queensland Defence Science Alliance - alongside existing members University of Queensland, Griffith University and James Cook University.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Steve Rogers (right), says joining ADSUN was a “logical step” for the university. Picture: Supplied.

CDU deputy vice-chancellor Steve Rogers said the Territory institution was “excited” to join forces with its Queensland counterparts.

“It’s a logical step to join an established ADSUN node, and one that is in alignment with Defence’s aim for the Network to have representation Australia-wide,” he said.

“Defence has a key role to play in the NT, comprising nearly 10 per cent of the Territory economy, and Australia’s north in general has been recognised by the Federal Government as being strategically vital.”

By joining QDSA, CDU’s scope for additional grants now increase, with funding of up to $250,000 available per defence research project that accelerates military capability.

In their last callout for expressions of interest in the grant, QDSA confirmed improving the ADF’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases was a priority.

“Through joining QDSA, CDU will help open opportunities for the university and the wider local economy while also supporting our national security,” Professional Rogers said.

“When universities collaborate it brings the best minds together to help solve problems and advance local industry.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling says CDU joining ADSUN is a “win-win”. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

On Tuesday morning, Solomon MP Luke Gosling visited CDU’s North Australian Centre for Autonomous Systems and hailed the new inclusion as a victory for the Territory.

“The expansion of ADSUN to include the NT is a win-win for the Australian Defence Force, Defence industry and the university research centre,” he said.

“CDU has a history of support for Defence; including for training, health services and advanced research and development.”

As for what research CDU could bring to the table, Mr Gosling said there were niche areas Territorian academics could exploit for the betterment of national security.

“As the Territory’s university, I have no doubt CDU will enrich this important national research through our expertise on tropical health, remote area drone operations, advanced manufacturing and cyber security,” he said.

“CDU joining the QDSA and therefore the Australian network, will see greater Defence-focused collaboration for the benefit of our Defence and national security.”

CDU has already committed to provide STEM students a pathway towards supporting Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine project. Picture: Supplied.

The announcement follows CDU’s push to become more involved in Defence related opportunities, with the university having partnered with the Commonwealth in November, 2023, in support of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine project.

The partnership involved CDU being allocated more than $6 million to deliver 110 Commonwealth supported places in STEM courses with the aim to grow the skilled workforce necessary to support the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.