NEWS & INITIATIVES

06 September 2021

 The Victorian Defence Science Institute (DSI) and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) are stimulating new ground breaking sensor research and the formation of Defence oriented multidisciplinary teams through funding awarded under the “DSI-Hazardous Agent Challenge (HAC)”.

The HAC is a DSI-led joint venture with DSTG that drew together Defence subject matter experts, end-user communities, industry and academia to explore the context and requirements for operating in environments which are potentially contaminated by a chemical or biological threat. Chemical and biological hazards, whether released on purpose or by accident, are some of the most insidious and challenging threats faced by Defence personnel and civilian first responders. Early warning provided by advanced sensor technology, and before dangerous levels are reached, is a cornerstone capability that protects our frontline operators from harm.

The University of Melbourne, Macquarie University and the University of Newcastle, are sharing in $3 million funding for a collaborative project exploring how cyber bots can learn and form teams, either amongst themselves or with humans, to counter cyber threats.  Funded as part of the Next Generation Technologies Fund's (NGTF) Australia—US Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (AUSMURI) program, "Autonomy through Robust Learning and Effective Human/Bot Teaming" sees the team working with colleagues at the University of Wisconsin, Carnegie Mellon University, UC San Diego and Pennsylvania State University to improve how AI systems interact with humans, while protecting institutions from cyber attacks.
 

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has released a new report that proposes establishing a formal partnership between the Australian Department of Defence, defence industry and Australian universities.

For ten years, The Defence Science Institute has been bringing these groups together to drive innovation. Thanks to our Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) partners, this is now a national effort.

Following a tremendous response, the current round of DSI Collaborative Research Grants and Research Higher Degree Grants is now closed for new applications. Thank you to all those who applied!

Please monitor the website, newsletter and social media posts for information on new funding opportunities as they arise.