The Defence Science Centre in partnership with Australia’s National Security Science and Technology Centre (external link) are calling for submissions to address three science and technology challenges specific to Australia’s national security. The challenges are aimed at mid to high-range Technology Readiness Levels to support research that has reached or surpassed proof of concept and progressed to the development of a prototype solution.
Up to $200,000 (ex GST) per project is available to support a maximum of three projects of 18-24 months’ duration.
The three topics fall under the Investigative Support and Forensic Science priority area:
1. Safe Vehicle Interdiction
- Single or multiple capabilities to allow law enforcement to render inoperable a moving vehicle, in a no-notice scenario whereby the vehicle must be stopped prior to reaching its intended destination (such as a civilian crowd).
- The capabilities must be applicable to motor vehicles and trucks of different sizes (light / medium / heavy rigid and heavy combination) and ages (with / without an Engine Control Unit), whilst minimising collateral damage to persons and infrastructure in close proximity of the targeted vehicle.
2. Enhanced Crime Scene DNA Collection
- DNA collection device (such as a swab, tapelift or another device) which supports effective collection of biological material by on-site crime scene personnel, whilst enabling subsequent automated analysis in a laboratory environment without further handling or sample preparation.
3. Digital Forensic Tools
- Detection, access, extraction and exploitation of electronic devices with a focus on personal devices and the ‘Internet of Things’ and their assistance to solving community crime.
The expected outcome for all funded proposals will be the demonstration of a prototype solution in a simulated use case environment. Existing technologies that might be realigned to meet the needs of this call are also open for investigation.
Submissions to this opportunity close Monday 31 January 2022. To read more, visit the Defence Science Centre grants program page.
