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Your defence research & education partner

The Defence Research Institute strategically enables ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ’s premier research, education, and workforce development to enhance Australia’s defence and security.
Key functions
Our impact
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Hornet at RAAF Williamtown preparing for take off for OP Deluge 2007. "For graphic arts use"

Defence research at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ

The Defence Research Institute (DRI) facilitates partnerships across academia, Government, Defence and defence industry to addresses critical challenges in defence and security. To achieve collective growth and success, these strategic partnerships leverage ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ's premier research, education, and workforce development through lifelong learning.

The DRI fosters a collaborative environment conducive of progressing cutting edge technology, health, business, and humanities across the university for societal impact. The DRI builds collaborations to translate world-class defence and national security research into enduring transformational solutions that support Australia’s national interests.

The DRI champions ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ’s unwavering pursuit to maintaining a safe and stable community in a complex and challenging global environment.

View our future defence research portfolio

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Key functions

The institutes team of subject matter experts actively identify key areas for research and innovation within the defence domain. This ensured that ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ's cutting-edge research is aligned with strategic needs, and is effectively positioned to address emerging challenges, and support Australia's national security interests. By enhancing ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ's reputation as a leader in defence research, attracting to talent, and fostering collaboration, the DRI yields the universities strength of innovative solutions for defence and national security, benefiting society, and safeguarding national interests.

¹úÃñ²ÊƱ collaborates with experts across academia, Government, Defence and defence industry, to address complex defence challenges. These collaborations foster interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange. By bringing together diverse expertise, from scientists and engineers to policymakers and industry professionals, ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ enables faster development of defence capabilities such as cyber, artificial intelligence & autonomy, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, electronic warfare, innovation, and information sharing. 

The institute builds and maintains partnerships with Government, Defence, defence industries and other stakeholders to enhance knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and practical applications, addressing real-world needs. Establishing long-term relationships, informing research, and enabling tailored solutions support a safe and stable Australia in a complex and challenging global environment.

¹úÃñ²ÊƱ actively seeks funding opportunities to support defence-related research projects. By securing resources, the institute enables impactful research and development initiatives fuelling innovation ensuring continuity of critical research, strengthening Australia's defence and security capabilities.

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Our capabilities

¹úÃñ²ÊƱ excels in defence research areas such as cyber security, space, systems engineering, artificial intelligence, logistics, hypersonics, defence related public sector management and conflict studies.

About and contact us

The Defence Research Institute (DRI) at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ works with the university’s experts and trusted partners in academia, industry and government.

Professional education portal

Explore the breadth of ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ’s expertise in defence education, with many more courses available through our Sydney and Canberra campuses as well as online.

In collaboration with more than 50 industry, academic and government partners, Defence Trailblazer aims to strengthen Australia’s defence capabilities with cutting edge technologies and solutions, while equipping the next generation of innovators with specialised knowledge and skills to meet the needs of defence.

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Security & Defence PLuS is the flagship program of the PLuS Alliance, a global partnership which combines the strengths of three leading research universities on three continents – Arizona State University, King’s College London, and the University of New South Wales – to solve global challenges.

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CADRE-OCE

Centre for Advanced Defence Research and Enterprise

Operating in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Environments STaR Shot (CADRE-OCE)

Our impact

Driving innovation in maritime robotics

How new robotics software is changing the way we monitor what’s above and below the water.

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At the forefront of cyber security

How locally developed technology is protecting computer systems throughout the world from cyber attacks.

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Turning quantum computing into a reality

Paving the way for silicon-based quantum processors for real-world manufacturing and applications.

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Converting diesel engines to run on hydrogen

How a new hydrogen-diesel engine is helping to decarbonise heavy industries in Australia and beyond.

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Satellite technology for space and sea

Leading by example to build Australia’s space sector capability and beyond.

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Leading the space race of the 21st century

2018 Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons and her research team are leading the global race to develop a quantum computer in silicon.

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¹úÃñ²ÊƱ partners with Therapeutics Innovation Australia to boost RNA ecosystem

RNA science has significant potential to treat cancer genetic and autoimmune diseases, making critical contributions to advancing human health.

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¹úÃñ²ÊƱ key institutes and enablers