Australian researchers achieved a stellar result in the inaugural Global-X science challenge, an international research accelerator program run by the US Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global , with Australian teams behind two of four projects selected for funding.
The program is aimed at discovering and advancing science and technology for future naval capabilities.
Western Sydney University and RMIT University were behind the two successful Australian projects, each earning a share of the AUD 1.1 million in funding. They now have nine months to demonstrate how their novel technologies could revolutionise naval capability.
Both RMIT and Western Sydney University are members of state-based Defence research and innovation networks; the Defence Science Institute in Victoria and the Defence Innovation Network in New South Wales respectively. These networks, together with others around the country form the Australian Defence Science and University Network (ADSUN).
Supported by the NGTF, ADSUN is designed to facilitate engagement between Defence, universities and the broader national science and technology ecosystem.
Global-X is illustrative of the different approaches that militaries around the world are taking to discover new and novel game-changing technologies.
There is widespread recognition that the best and brightest ideas are not restricted to military research facilities alone and that nations need to harness the knowledge and expertise of the entire research and innovation community to successfully deliver breakthrough technologies.
