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Innovation Drives Future Defence Capability

The establishment of a Defence Future Capability Technology Centre is a step closer, with applications for participation open from today, with a final decision to be taken before the end of the year.

"The call for applications is an important step forward in this Government’s strategy to drive innovation in defence technology – a key strategy of the Government’s Defence and Industry Policy Statement," Mr Billson said.

"To further nurture the innovation needed to maintain the Australian Defence Force’s capability edge, the Government is promoting a closer working relationship between Defence, academia and the private sector."

A key element of this collaboration is to pool the expertise and resources of industry, universities and publicly funded research agencies to develop defence technology that will enhance the capability of the Australian Defence Force.

The centre will adopt many of the successful attributes of the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme administered by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).

"The CRC Programme has been a key and successful element of the Australian Government’s investment in science and innovation for more than 15 years, and I am delighted to work in partnership with Defence in realising this important initiative," Ms Bishop said.

"It continues this Government’s efforts to deliver substantial benefits to Australia by promoting collaboration and encouraging research in areas that provide a direct benefit to Australia’s international reputation for innovation."

Applications for participation in the centre will be accepted from universities, industry and publicly funded research agencies along one or more of the following themes:

* Integrated battlespace and systems integration
* Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE)
* Autonomous systems and robotics
* Materials sciences
* Electronic warfare self-protection
* High-energy electromagnetics

Applications close on 14 September. For more information and how to apply, visit www.dsto.defence.gov.au/collaboration/5189/, call 02 6240 5174 or email dfctc@dest.gov.au

Media Information:

Cameron Hill (Minister Billson):
03 9781 2333 or 0408 239 521

Tory Vidler (Minister Bishop):
0414 228 727

Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Dept of Education, Science & Training Media Unit:
02 6240 7300

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

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