Common User Facility opened in Tasmania for Defence, industry, academic maritime research

approved security standard, the facility is designed to support multiple simultaneous meetings of up to 20 personnel and is equipped with secure communications technology to enable sensitive discussions and research activity.

The CUF was delivered under a $30 million agreement between AMC and the Defence Science and Technology Group.

Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro said the facility would strengthen Defence’s ability to collaborate securely with trusted partners.

“With an initial focus on maritime science and engineering, the Common User Facility will enable Defence to collaborate with Tasmania-based academia and industry across a broad range of sensitive research,” Professor Monro said.

Partners also include Navantia Australia, which has a strategic partnering agreement with Defence and recently established the Naval Research Centre on the floor above the CUF.

“By bringing Defence, industry and academia together in a secure environment, this collaboration strengthens Australia’s innovation ecosystem and helps translate research excellence into real capability, delivering asymmetric advantage for Defence,” Professor Monro said.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.