About the Defence Science Centre
The Defence Science Centre is the Western Australian contribution to the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN). This network supports the national Defence enterprise through collaboration with state university researchers, industry, the Defence Science and Technology Group, and Defence end-users. This facilitates engagement of Australia's best research and development capabilities with real-world challenges in support of the Defence mission; to defend Australia and its national interests.
The Defence Science Centre provides value to Defence and defence-industry by:
- Highlighting the local research capability to Defence
- Facilitating collaboration on defence-relevant needs
- Identifying opportunities for research and technology development
- Advocating on Defence priorities, capabilities, needs and gaps
- Promoting and showcasing Western Australian defence research and innovation
- Cultivating relationships and linkages between universities, industry and Defence
Key partners
Show moreThe Defence Science Centre is funded by the WA Government and the Australian Government’s Defence Science and Technology Group. We work closely with WA's 4 public universities and combine the collective resources and capabilities of our academic sector to achieve our objectives. A summary of the defence-related capabilities is available to download from the Western Australian Defence Research Universities Capability Statement publication (PDF, 4.3 MB).
- Defence Science and Technology Group Next Generation Technologies Fund (external link)
- More, together: Defence Science and Technology Strategy 2030 (external link)
- Curtin University Defence Research (external link)
- Edith Cowan University Defence Research and Engagement overview (external link)
- Murdoch Defence Research (external link)
Defence Science Centre Advisory Board
Show moreThe Defence Science Centre Advisory Board provides advice on the centre's strategic direction in the support of achieving its objectives. The Advisory Board meets approximately 4 times per year.
The Advisory Board is comprised of representatives from government, academia and industry.
Photo | Board Member Biography |
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Philip Spedding, DSC AM, RAN (rtd) Chair of the Advisory Board & Western Australian Defence Advocate Biography of Philip Spedding (external link) |
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Linda Dawson Deputy Director General of the Department of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation |
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Dr Melissa Laws Chief Technology Officer Innovation and Strategic Research, Defence Science and Technology Group Dr Melissa Laws is the Program Leader of the Australian Defence Science and University Network and is responsible for building cooperation and teaming across the State sponsored, and based Defence research and innovation networks. As well as a diverse and extensive research background, with experience in university, industry and Government sectors, Melissa has significant experience in policy, program management and stakeholder engagement across the broader National Security enterprise. In her previous role, Melissa managed the Next Generation Technologies Fund program, a complex billion-dollar program focussed on understanding and developing emerging technologies for the future Defence force. Her ability to delivery impact to Defence through the successful application of innovation, science and technology is well recognised and she is the recipient of several awards and commendations. Melissa has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Melbourne, as well as formal qualification in Intellectual Property Law and Scientific Leadership. She is currently completing her Master of Public Leadership and Policy at UNSW. |
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Eve Clark Manager Director, L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia Eve Clark is the Managing Director of L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia Pty Ltd, a Defence Industry company headquartered in Fremantle WA. Eve provides leadership and direction to deliver innovative systems solutions and services to Australian and New Zealand Defence, and also for oil and gas security surveillance. Eve has worked for the Company for over 15 years and prior to that worked internationally in Canada, holding various engineering, programmatic and management roles. Eve is also a member of the Curtin University Science and Engineering Faculty Advisory Council. |
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Professor Melinda (Lindy) Fitzgerald Curtin Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research John Curtin Distinguished Professor Melinda Fitzgerald is the Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research at Curtin University and CEO of Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia. Lindy is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies, frameworks, and activities to achieve the University’s strategic goals in research and IP commercialisation, including Curtin’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer funded by the federal government. Professor Fitzgerald also leads a team of researchers and post-graduate students in nationally coordinated research focused around understanding and preventing the loss of function that occurs following neurotrauma. |
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Professor Caroline Finch AO ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Vice-President Biography of Professor Caroline Finch (external link) |
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Professor Peter Eastwood Murdoch Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) The DVC (Research & Innovation) has overall responsibility for the strategic direction and focus of research undertaken within the University. This position is active in developing closer research links and a funding base with both private and public sector users and providers. In addition, the DVC-R&I is responsible for ensuring the promotion of research for the public good and educating the public about the benefits of research and its contribution to society. |
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Professor Anna Nowak UWA Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Biography of Professor Professor Anna Nowak (external link) |
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Commodore Ivan Ingham, AM, RAN Senior Officer Western Australia |
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Brigadier Brett Chaloner CSC Commander of 13th Brigade |