iscover
A new network is set to be established, connecting universities to research, innovation and technology organisations.
The federal government has announced that the Defence Science and Technology Group will launch the Australian Energetic Materials Research Network.
Working alongside Flinders University and RMIT University, the network will focus on advancing energetic materials capabilities, with a wider focus of ensuring a successful and sustainable rollout of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.
“This network will engage the best and brightest minds in Australia, ensuring that our world-class researchers gain real world insights into how energetic materials are used in today’s strategic environment,” said Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro.
“Investing in energetic material technologies strengthens GWEO sovereign capability, helps mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities and delivers an asymmetric advantage to our ADF.”
Energetic materials are used primarily within advanced explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics.
Within the defence industry, hypersonic and long-range precision fire weapons greatly incorporate the energetic materials and are identified as key areas for innovation in the National Defence Strategy.
The research and development that is expected to come from the network seeks to leverage Australia’s “innovation, science and technology ecosystem” in the face of modern defence needs.
“Cutting-edge research in the formulation, manufacturing and integration of energetic material technologies creates opportunities for Australian industry, including highly skilled jobs, and enhances GWEO preparedness,” Monro said.
