Defence

What we do and how we partner

At Adelaide University, we work closely and collaboratively with industry partners to enhance defence capability for end-users. We provide access to cutting-edge infrastructure, deliver collaborative research and development and defence training programs to meet workforce needs.

Our partners play a vital role in how Adelaide University prepares the future generation of defence industry professionals. Through co-designed courses, work-integrated learning and apprenticeships, we are supporting graduates across disciplines from software engineering, AI and cybersecurity to aviation and industrial design. We’re empowering a future workforce that can meet defence industry needs today and lead its transformation tomorrow.

 Our researchers and students work with industry on a variety of projects:

• Mental and physical performance programs, such as improvements to submarine crew living conditions and operational efficiency through a new design methodology for sleeping berths and cabins
• Exploring nano-engineered colour changing camouflage coatings that can be applied to defence platforms
• Developing behaviour modelling systems for testing combat strategies
• Effective system integration and interoperability through AI and complex systems 
• Investigating the use of virtual reality in enhancing the performance of Australia’s military personnel
• Delivering novel and low-complexity optimal waveform diversity techniques for small target detection to overcome sea clutter
• Exploring the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), biological vision systems, insect behaviour and aerospace technology to support industry growth
• Development of customised professional cadetships.