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A Defence Science and Technology Group scientist was awarded the Eureka Prize for his innovative technology aimed to protect defence assets from radiation and electromagnetic interferences.
Last week, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) scientist Dr Kamal Gupta was awarded the 2025 Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia, for his work in developing new technologies to protect and potentially extend the lifespan of defence assets.
Along with Dr Jafar Shojaii (Macquarie University), the pair’s research and innovation culminated in the development of a radiation-protected semiconductor chip that can be implemented into electronics in defence, satellite and civilian systems.
“...a radiation-shielded chip consumes very low power, so it can be integrated effectively and seamlessly with the electronics embedded in electronic systems across all Defence domains,” Gupta said.
“My collaboration with Dr Shojaii over several years has been critical to the success of this research project.”
Currently, existing commercial technology provides limited protection to electronic assets from electromagnetic and radiation-based interferences, most commonly found in space and high-interference environments, such as war zones.
Consequently, electronic assets such as drones, ships and land vehicles remain vulnerable to disruptions and physical depletion. As the nature of sensitive electronic devices used in national and global security industries continues to grow, the innovation represents the emerging technological creativity the defence industry is seeing.
“This work leads to the protection of Australian Defence systems, satellites, and allows critical communication and infrastructure to operate in contested conditions,” Gupta said.
With additional testing and development on the now award-winning technology already underway, Gupta hopes to see the novel technology implemented into Australian defence systems to support the effective operation of electronics in a range of conditions and environments.
“The ultimate goal is to see our DSTG and university-designed and developed chips shielding Defence systems being used by our warfighters in hostile environments”.
The Eureka Prizes are Australia’s most prestigious science awards and represent the “power of innovation and breakthroughs”, said Professor Samuel Muller, Macquarie University executive dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
The award was presented by Chief Defence Scientist Tanya Monro at the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes award ceremony.
“It’s a great honour to me and my colleague Jafar to receive this prestigious award. We are deeply humbled,” Gupta said.
