The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed recognition of the need for greater coordination across the national science system articulated in Australia’s Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy.
The Strategy was launched this week by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
It outlines mechanisms for collaboration and coordination to grow Australia’s science system and accelerate innovation into capability—through strategic partnerships, programs like STaR Shot 2.0 and a proposal to establish Defence Research Centres co-designed with universities.
Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said scientific capability and investment in research and development (R&D) enables Australia’s national security, sovereignty and diplomacy—securing our nation’s economy and wellbeing in a complex, uncertain world.
“The Strategy’s focus on the broader Defence innovation, science and technology ecosystem and how crucial collaboration across the sector will be in delivering these ambitions is important,” Professor Jagadish said.
“The priorities articulated in the Strategy send an important signal to the research sector on opportunities for coordination and collaboration, notably in the AUKUS Pillar II advanced capabilities areas.”
Professor Jagadish said the creation of the Defence Research Centres is a step in the right direction for providing a secure environment to enable Defence science research.
“The principle of the Defence Research Centres to explore potential dual-use outcomes is also an important opportunity to deliver additional benefits to Australians,” Professor Jagadish said.
“The proposed centres represent a change in our research architecture and system and so the Australian Government must consider the resource implications of implementing such changes for the sector.
“The Academy stands ready to assist in the implementation of this strategy and looks forward to seeing how it may be able to build further capability in the sector.”
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