Seven collaborative defence research projects based in Western Australia are set to receive a $870,000 boost from the Commonwealth and State governments.
The projects cover a wide range of initiatives, including weapon-mounted sensors, uncrewed aerial vehicles, space-based optical communications systems, and biological warfare defence.
Driven by collaborations from across universities, industry and government, the projects were all successful in the third funding round of the WA Defence Science Centre's (DSC) Collaborative Research Grant.
The WA DSC was established following advocacy by the McGowan Government, after it came to office in 2017 and created a Defence Industry Portfolio.
It receives funding from the WA Government and Defence's Next Generation Technologies Fund.
Successful applicants demonstrated a clear link to Defence's technology-themed Next Generation Technologies Fund priorities, or the CRG round three theme of maritime maintenance and sustainment.
Launched in 2019, the grant initiative provides seed funding, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, and is available for collaborations between universities, industry and government that include at least one DSC-member university.
In total, the three rounds have resulted in almost $2.5 million of funding for 18 research projects.
The DSC's Collaborative Research Grant supports the strategic goals of the WA Government's Western Australian Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan, which aims to grow the local defence sector and create jobs.
For more information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:
"Collaboration is key to growing the defence sector in Western Australia.
"The DSC's Collaborative Research Grant is helping build new connections between innovative small and medium enterprises and the defence research sector.
"By investing in innovative technologies, we are helping to strengthen WA's defence industry capabilities, commercialise emerging technologies and diversify the State's economy."
| Project title | Lead researcher |
| Assessing microbiologically influenced corrosion and material deterioration at HMAS Stirling. | Dr Katerina Lepkova Led by Curtin University in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Duratec Australia. |
| Using weapon-mounted sensors and machine learning to determine human-weapon-system performance. | Professor Iain Murray Led by Curtin University in collaboration with the University of Western Australia (UWA), DSTG and Nuheara. |
| Enhancing space-based optical communications using infrared technology. | Emeritus Professor Mervyn Lynch Led by Curtin University in collaboration with UWA, Aires and DSTG. |
| Modelling human processing mechanisms to maximise multisensory information processing efficiency in complex decision environments. | Dr Zachary Howard Led by UWA in collaboration with the United States Air Force, Defence and DSTG. |
| Delivery of uncrewed aerial vehicle via autonomous uncrewed ground vehicle for autonomous sensing/search of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear environments. | Elliot Nicholls, Director Led by Stealth Technologies in collaboration with UWA and DSTG. |
| Advanced development of therapeutics against bacterial pathogens of biowarfare concern. | Dr Mitali Sarkar-Tyson Led by UWA in collaboration with Murdoch University, Monash University and DMTC. |
| Developing innovative 'spray on' super-hydrophobic surfaces for marine antifouling applications. | Dr Gérrard Eddy Jai Poinern Led by Murdoch University in collaboration with DSTG and Curtin University. |
