• Charles Sturt to work with Department of Defence in new partnership
• Charles Sturt one of 37 public universities to sign Defence Science Partnerships agreement
• University will assist Defence in delivering strategic advantage

Charles Sturt University has entered a new partnership, agreeing to provide the Department of Defence with academic support and draw on the University’s research to deliver technology-based solutions to Defence.

The University is one of 37 public universities in the country that has signed on to the Defence Science Partnerships (DSP 2.0) program.

The program, an initiative of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group within the Department of Defence, draws on the knowledge and capabilities of universities to develop innovative outcomes for the future of Defence and national security capability.

As a partner, Charles Sturt has entered into a long-term strategic engagement with Defence to increase access to research programs, enhance research collaboration between Defence and other universities and strengthen Charles Sturt’s research capabilities.

Charles Sturt Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Michael Friend said the agreement demonstrates strong alignment with Defence to create opportunities for all involved.

“The program will also allow us to contribute to the broader promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in schools, and increase opportunities for women in STEM studies and in research careers and Indigenous student engagement in STEM disciplines,” he said.

“Charles Sturt University will contribute across a broad range of disciplines, but our strength in cyber security, counter-terrorism, data analytics and machine learning will be invaluable in contributing to DST’s goals.

“This framework will allow universities, such as Charles Sturt University, to work with Defence to apply science and technology to create solutions, research and innovations that will contribute to safeguarding Australia.”

Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro said the new arrangement provides a framework for Defence to partner with universities and removes the need to negotiate individual contracts for each project.

“Having come from the university sector, I am very much aware of the substantial contribution universities can make to Defence and Defence capability,” she said.

“It’s critical that we harness the skills, talents and expertise of the entire innovation network to deliver the best possible outcomes for Defence and Australia more broadly.”