The WA Government’s Defence Science Centre has announced grants for collaborative research on innovative technologies with applications to Defence.
The Defence Science Centre has invited applications for two grants programs – one for collaborations between universities, industry and Defence, and a second for students working with businesses on defence-related projects.
The Collaborative Research Grants provide funding for collaborations between universities and industry to undertake research on technologies and innovations relevant to the Defence industry.
According to the WA Government’s media statement, the grants will be in the range of $50,000 to $150,000 and must be linked to the Department of Defence’s technology-themed Next Gen Tech Fund priorities or maritime maintenance.
The Research Higher Degree Student Grants provide funding of up to $15,000 to students working on collaborative defence-relevant projects or undertaking defence industry \placements as part of their study.
WA Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia said the grants aim to establish vibrant research collaborations between universities and businesses that strengthen the State’s defence industry capabilities, commercialise emerging technologies and diversify the Western Australian economy.
“The Defence Science Centre grants program is a central pillar of the McGowan Government’s strategy to grow the State’s defence industry and create defence jobs,” the Minister said.
“The research grants will boost innovation and collaboration between universities and businesses and help bring emerging technologies to market.
“Defence needs are both varied and highly technical, and WA’s world-leading expertise in robotics, cyber security and automation are examples of technologies that can be developed to have significant defence applications.
“This grants program is one of the ways the Defence Science Centre is delivering on its mission to connect universities and researchers with industry and defence to build a stronger economy in WA.”
