Defence research underway at the University of Southern Queensland has been recognised with the University granted membership to the Federal Government’s Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
As part of the Department of Defence, DISP provides non-military organisations with a framework for working securely with defence assets and information.
The University’s space and defence research endeavours include the areas of hypersonic propulsion systems, rocket fuel development, astrophysics, machine vision and advanced materials.
Professor Peter Schubel, Executive Director of the University of Southern Queensland’s Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, said the membership would allow a deeper level of industry engagement for defence research projects.
“DISP membership will promote greater collaboration between the University and defence entities in research programs, as well as facilitate greater cooperation with private industry within Australia and allied nations,” Professor Schubel said.
“We possess forward-thinking research capabilities that are attractive to the defence industry, including composites manufacturing, astronomical observatories, artificial intelligence and more.
“We are also home to world-class infrastructure and equipment, including the Mount Kent Astronomical Observatory, a long duration hypersonic wind tunnel and a rocket laboratory, as well as one of Australia’s largest dedicated composite materials manufacturing and testing facilities.
“Obtaining this membership is an important milestone in our development as a key research institution that is helping to boost Australia’s sovereign defence capability.”
Professor Schubel commended his team on their hard work in completing the DISP application process.
“Membership confirms our demonstrated strength in managing security risks, in-depth training and holistic security policies,” he said.
“Our research team has proven that we are well placed to contribute to the security of our country’s people, information and assets.”