Advancing Australia’s defence capabilities

Our security environment is becoming more volatile and the need for collaboration between universities, industry and government is stronger than ever.

The Fishermans Bend campus will feature world-leading fluid dynamics research facilities.

Australia’s security environment is becoming more volatile and the need for collaboration between universities, industry and government is stronger than ever.

The future of Australia’s ­national security will require major investment in advanced manufacturing, heavy engineering and design. This will require new partnership models to help Australia stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The scale of technology research and commercialisation Australia needs to meet its sovereign national security needs and AUKUS commitments can be delivered by developing facilities similar to defence research centres around the world.

Typically, these are based on long-term deep partnerships between leading universities, government and industry.

Professor Len Sciaccia.

The University of Melbourne is already playing a critical role in developing policies and technologies, and in facilitating social and cultural diplomacy to contribute to enhancing our national ­security and defence capability.

Our researchers advise industry and government on misinformation, cyber resilience and information security in Australia and internationally. We tackle issues including deepfake detection, AI-driven disinformation and strategic influence operations. Over decades we have collaborated with the Australian government’s Defence, National Security and Emergency Services departments, our defence forces and first responders and key community partners to build critical capabilities to a whole-of-nation effort to increase sovereign capabilities. Through interdisciplinary research, integrating engineering, computer science, social sciences, and international relations, we support Australia’s security, resilience and readiness in the context of the changing global landscape.

Located in the heart of Melbourne, the Fishermans Bend innovation precinct and our future campus will foster deeper collaboration between our researchers and Australia’s leading defence scientists to help bridge theoretical research and applied solutions.

Deep engagement between the University of Melbourne, government and industry will support the development and commercialisation of emerging technologies that will be central to Australia’s sovereign national security capabilities and alliance contributions.

With support, it will enable the university to extend its integrated approach to technical defence engagement, including world-class research across fluid mechanics, autonomous systems, quantum technology, information security, health and medical countermeasures and international relations. This approach drives breakthroughs in defence technologies to enhance Australia’s readiness and operational effectiveness.

Large, interactive spaces, state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant innovation environment at our proposed Fishermans Bend campus will push the boundaries in research and development. Here, industry and researchers would work together to solve social and environmental issues affecting the world, for a sustainable and resilient future. The proximity to the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and industry leaders will help researchers identify and collaborate on national security challenges.

The University of Melbourne’s innovation ecosystem already integrates business incubation, venture capital and university-backed research. This includes a vibrant start-up and commercialisation environment, where spinouts, entrepreneurs and investors turn bold ideas into reality.

The University of Melbourne’s interdisciplinary defence engagement strategy brings together world-leading expertise, industry partners and defence agencies to drive innovation, protect national interests and strengthen sovereign capabilities. Our talented and diverse community is enabled through our culture of innovation, partnership and the diversity of our research across a range of ­disciplines.

By bringing together Australia’s brightest minds, we will help position Australia as a leader in advanced manufacturing, engineering and design for decades to come.

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Len Sciacca is Enterprise Professor, Defence Technologies, University of Melbourne