PODCAST: The critical role that academia plays in the future of defence, Professor Colin Stirling & Tony Kyriacou, Flinders University

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By:
Colin Stirling, Tony Kyriacou, Flinders University

Flinders University is at the front line of defence-oriented research and development in myriad different ways across their campuses. From robotics teams making advances that could keep soldiers out of harm’s way, fibre optics technology that is revolutionising battlefield communications, and engineers evolving ways to enhance body mechanics, their students and research are imperative to the future of the industry.

Flinders University is at the front line of defence-oriented research and development in myriad different ways across their campuses. From robotics teams making advances that could keep soldiers out of harm’s way, fibre optics technology that is revolutionising battlefield communications, and engineers evolving ways to enhance body mechanics, their students and research are imperative to the future of the industry.

 

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Flinders University vice chancellor Professor Colin Stirling and defence partnerships director Tony Kyriacou join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the critical role that academia plays in defence industry. They will discuss the interconnective opportunities that the university offers to various stakeholders including industry, students and SMEs, and unpack the long-term rationale of getting their students international placements within industry.

The pair will also discuss where the technology that they are involved in developing is being used other than defence industry, how they measure the effectiveness of their involvement in defence and whether they believe enough is being done to get kids interested in defence technology.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 10: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 8: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 6: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 4: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 2: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison