Defence Science Centre Funded Research

About

Read more about Collaborative Research Grants on the Defence Science Centre grants programs page. Research is conducted on behalf of the Department of Defence and may have controls regarding distribution and Intellectual Property. If you would like to know more on an individual project, contact the Defence Science Centre.

Find recipient case studies on our Collaborative Research Grants: case study collection page.

Successful grants

Round 5 (2023)

• Develop onsite electrochemical monitoring of copper concentrations in effluent from cleaning navy vessels. Led by ECU, collaborating with CleanSubSea and B3 Electronic Design; $150,000. 
   
• A novel in-plane micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) optical switching architecture for defence applications. Led by UWA in partnership with L3Harris; $150,000. 
   
• Scalable Sensor Fusion for 3D Environmental Mapping. Led by Curtin in partnership with CMW Geosciences; $150,000. 
   
• A reliable underwater messaging system. Led by ECU in partnership with M&R Solutions; $150,000. 
   
• Humans in/out of the loop. Making AI Decisions Human Understandable in High-Performance Situations Involving Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (DecAI). Led by UX Machines, in partnership with UWA; $150,000. 
   
• Empowering the open source intelligence (OSINT) analyst through explainable models. Led by UWA in partnership with ECU and Phase; $150,000. 

Round 4 (2022)

• A compact non-cryogenic high-precision magnetic-field sensor for maritime surveillance. Led by University of Western Australia collaborating with L3 Harris Australia; $150,000.
   
• Advanced fabrication of cold atom traps for an Australian portable quantum optical clock. Led by Curtin University collaborating with University of Adelaide, Australian National University; $149,300.
   
• Data-driven maintenance optimisation for the Collins submarine fleet. Led by Curtin University and collaborating with Australian Submarine Corporation; $150,000.
   
• Dynamic two-way communication using gestures for human-machine teaming. Led by Edith Cowan University and collaborating with the University of Western Australia, Chironix, Agile8, and Motium; $150,000.
   
• Eliminating the need for adaptive optics in satellite optical communications. Led by UWA and collaborating with Curtin University and the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station; $146,330.
   
• Expendable energy absorbing tamper material for restricting the effects of a surface mounted explosive charge. Led by Murdoch University and collaboration with Curtin University and Defence; $149,500.
   
• Psychologically-informed mathematical modelling of misinformation spread. Led by Curtin University and collaboration with University of Western Australia; $150,000.
   
• Situational aware undersea acoustic diver communication system. Led by Curtin University and collaboration with ECU, O2 Metocean, and Precision Technic Defence; $149,500.

Round 3 (2021)

• Assessing microbiologically influenced corrosion and material deterioration at HMAS Stirling. Led by Curtin University in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group and Duratech Australia; $97,000.
   
• Advanced development of therapeutics against bacterial pathogens of biowarfare concern. Led by the University of Western Australia in collaboration with Murdoch University, Monash University and DMTC; $150,000.
   
• Delivery of uncrewed aerial vehicle via autonomous uncrewed ground vehicle for autonomous sensing/search of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear environments. Led by Stealth Technologies in collaboration with the University of Western Australia and the Defence Science and Technology Group; $150,000.
   
• Developing innovative ‘spray on’ super-hydrophobic surfaces for marine antifouling applications. Led by Murdoch University in collaboration with Curtin University and the Defence Science and Technology Group; $149,500.
   
• Enhancing space-based optical communications using infrared technology. Led by Curtin University in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, AIRES Pty Ltd, and Defence Science and Technology Group; $150,000.
  • H. Chedzey, M. Lynch, B. Nener, V. Devrelis, K. Mudge and K. Grant, "A study of cloud cover over multiple sites within Australia for satellite/ground atmospheric optical communication links," 2022 IEEE International Conference on Space Optical Systems and Applications (ICSOS), 2022, pp. 124-127 (external link)
     
• Modelling human processing mechanisms to maximize multisensory information processing efficiency in complex decision environments. Led by UWA in collaboration with the United States Air Force,  and the Defence Science and Technology Group; $98,150.
   
• Using weapon-mounted sensors and machine learning to determine human-weapon-system performance. Led by Curtin University in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, Defence Science and Technology Group, and local Perth-based startup Nuheara; $73,000.
  • Defence Human Sciences Symposium 2021 p. 57 (external link)

Round 2 (2020)

• A deployable space domain awareness sensor system. Led by Curtin University in collaboration with the University of Western Australia and local company Geng; $148,640. Read the DSC case study.
   
• Automatic searching and tracking of abnormal ground signals from a satellite constellation. Led by Curtin University in collaboration with Edith Cowan University, Latconnect60 and the Defence Science and Technology Group; $142,920.
   
• Categorising lower body injury risk in female and male recruits through muscle-bone imaging. Led by Edith Cowan University in collaboration with  the University of Western Australia, Deakin University, the WA Police Force, the US Army, University of Jyväskylä Finland and University of Notre Dame Australia; $150,000.
   
• Investigation into the health and performance impacts of the Australian Special Forces selection course. Led by Edith Cowan University in collaboration with the Department of Defence, University of Pittsburgh USA and CSIRO; $150.000.
   
• Virtual reality-enhanced advanced tactical parachute training. Led by Edith Cowan University in collaboration with Curtin and Murdoch universities, Adventure Out Australia and the Department of Defence; $148,145.
   
• Visual positional system to localise targets on a 3D map using a single drone image. Led by the University of Western Australia in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group and Remsense; $144,166.

Round 1 (2019)

• Cognitive biosecurity: assessment and training perceptual expertise for defence biosecurity threats. Led by Murdoch University in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, Michigan State University and the Defence Science and Technology Group.
  • Defence Human Sciences Symposium 2021 p. 20 (external link)
     
• High speed multimodal underwater wireless communications. Led by Curtin University.
   
• Interactive evolutionary computation for the discovery of warfighting strategies. Led by Edith Cowan University.
   
• Optimising team development and performance via team reflection protocols. Led by Curtin University in collaboration with Macquarie University, University of Western Australia, Defence Science and Technology Group, and the Australian Army.
  • Lines, R. L. J., Pietsch, S., Crane, M., Ntoumanis, N., Temby, P., Graham, S., & Gucciardi, D. F. (2021). The effectiveness of team reflexivity interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 10(3), 438–473 (external link)
  • Defence Human Sciences Symposium 2021 p. 66 (external link)
     
• Preclinical testing of novel compounds against multi-drug resistant bacteria of biological warfare concern. Led by the University of Western Australia.

About

Read more about Research Higher Degree Student Grant on the Defence Science Centre grants programs page. Research is conducted on behalf of the Department of Defence and may have controls regarding distribution and Intellectual Property. Links are provided to the published research as applicable, otherwise if you would like more information on an individual project, contact the Defence Science Centre.

Successful grants

Round 5 (2023) 

• A reliable positioning system for underwater vehicles operating in GPS-denied underwater environments. 
   
• A secure and reliable underwater acoustic modem employing adaptable Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) 
   
• Wireless underwater communications for mission critical applications. 
   
• Characterisation of the maritime environment for laser communications. 
   
• Measuring real-time mental workload to improve Australia's defence capability. 
   
• Unique twister devices that generate left and right handed electromagnetic radiation for dark matter detection, robust telecommunications, encryption, and filtering of molecules for pharmaceuticals.
   
• Machine Learning as a Service (MLaaS) Selection with incomplete QoS information. 
   
• A secure authentication mechanism for LoT-enabled Maritime Communications Network. 

Round 4 (2022) 

• Assessment of a link between .50 calibre M82 and AW50F rifle engagement and mild traumatic brain injury symptoms.
   
• Predicting operational skill proficiency of para-military recruits using baseline physical performance data.
   
• Development of a Risk Based Framework for Governance of Autonomous Weapons Systems.
   
• Investigating the Practicability of RFID Protocols for Secure Communications in Maritime IoT.
   
• Adaptable Automation Transparency to Facilitate Human-Automation Teaming.
   
• Leaders’ Safety Stories: What makes storytelling effective in safety critical contexts?
   
• Underwater Acoustic Source Identification in Noisy Environments.
   
• Quantum collision theory for the scattering of light by atoms and molecules.
   
• Protocols for the improved detection and recovery of latent finger-marks on pressure sensitive adhesive tapes.
   
• An automated software solution for logistics management and analytics of ADF parachuting operations.

Round 3 (2021)

• Analysis and interpretation of chemical trace evidence using field-deployable portable instrumentation, with Curtin University.
   
• Application of Machine Learning to classify behaviours of Military Working Dogs in kennels, with Curtin University.
  • Land Forces Innovation PitchFest 2021 (external link)
     
• Can yoga or psychological therapy improve cognitive performance among ADF personnel, with Murdoch University.
   
• Cognitive predictors of selection, training, and operational performance outcomes in Special Forces, with the University of Western Australia.
   
• Constructing secure and leakage-resilient framework and its application for Internet-of-Thing sensors in autonomous systems to combat data exploitation, with Murdoch University.
   
• Design of outboard motor conversion to jet propulsion for shallow water boating operations, with Curtin University.
   
• Designing transparent automation to improve how humans use automated advice, with the University of Western Australia.
   
• Developing tributyltin-free aluminium oxide/Zn micro/nano coatings for anti-fouling maritime coatings, with Murdoch University.
   
• Enhancing human performance by predicting the magnitude and duration of post-distraction impairments in a transportation setting, with the University of Western Australia.
   
• Improving maritime navigation security, with Murdoch University.
   
• Integration of seasonal factors in automated maritime traffic anomaly detection, with Edith Cowan University.
   
• Remediation of PFAS compounds through adsorption using engineered calcium-based hydroxyapatite compounds, with Murdoch University.
   
• Software and electronics development for the Western Australian optical ground station, with the University of Western Australia.
   
• Study of high-power microwave effects on integrated circuit devices, and on-chip schemes to mitigate these effects, with Curtin University.
   
• Understanding the effects of high-power electromagnetic waves on electronic devices and systems, with Curtin University.

Round 2 (2020)

• A framework for providing privacy preserving data computation services, with Murdoch University. 
   
• Automation and wellbeing, with the University of Western Australia.
   
• Cyber security operational technology range, with Edith Cowan University.
   
• Exercises in submarine, with Edith Cowan University.
   
• Fast optical switch, with the University of Western Australia.
   
• Imaging through fibers, with the University of Western Australia.
   
• Reducing the risks of shipboard helicopter operations, with Curtin University.
   
• Special Operations force preservation, with Edith Cowan University.
   
• Underwater network, with Edith Cowan University. 

Round 1 (2019)

• Analysis of key physical movements associated with Close Quarters Battle, with Edith Cowan University.
   
• Assessing energy availability in soldiers, with Edith Cowan University. 
   
• Musculoskeletal injury in military Special Operations Forces: A systematic review, with Edith Cowan University. 
   
• Training and augmenting human perceptual-cognitive performance of military personnel, with Murdoch University.

About

Read more about the design-thinking workshops on the Defence and Research Teaming page.

Outcomes

Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, are manufactured chemicals used in products that resist heat, oil, stains and water. Though useful, they can present a public health concern if they contaminate backyard bore water. 

Perth-based water filtration specialists Environmental Water Solutions (external link) sought to develop a whole-of-house water filter for these chemical contaminants to help provide a solution to communities affected by potential PFAS contamination. 

Recognising a skills gap in their organisation, Environmental Water Solutions utilised the research expertise of Curtin University PhD student Manaswini Natarajan to develop their filtration system. 

Environmental Water Solutions was awarded a $10,000 DSC APR.Intern voucher to support Manaswini's PhD placement in their organisation. 

“As a start-up working with new technology, it was particularly beneficial to have access to the specialist expertise of Manaswini and the team at Curtin University,”

- Suzanne Dodds, Environmental Water Solutions Founder and Manaswini’s Industry Supervisor

APR.Intern carefully matched Manaswini's engineering expertise and knowledge of water contaminants with Environmental Water Solutions' research challenge. 

During her 6-month internship, Manaswini carried out extensive on-site testing. Her findings propelled the development of an effective filtration system, cleaning water at the source.

Guided by her Academic Mentor, Curtin’s Professor Cynthia Joll, Manaswini received hands-on industry experience that broadened her repertoire of skills.

“Being a part of the Environmental Water Solutions team during this exciting phase of the project allowed me to observe the entire lifecycle of product development – from testing to commercialisation – as well as the preparation of documents and engagement with the Department of Defence”

- Manaswini Natarajan 

Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (external link) is Australia's only all sector, all discipline PhD internship program transforming Australian businesses through university research collaborations.