The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) will open its doors to Australia’s innovation sector, hosting their inaugural Partnerships Week at Edinburgh this week.

The new initiative aims to strengthen DSTO’s relationships with industry and the research and development sector, to help deliver the best capability outcomes for Australia’s defence and national security.

Minister for Defence Industries, Martin Hamilton-Smith said, “We’re delighted DSTO has selected Adelaide for its inaugural Partnerships Week.

“DSTO is an important part of South Australia’s defence landscape.

“We’re home to DSTO’s largest Australian operation with over 1200 highly skilled scientists, engineers and IT specialists based at their Edinburgh facility,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

Partnership Week includes two open days giving industry and academia access to DSTO researchers, research capability displays, technology demonstrations and site tours.

“Partnerships Week is a fantastic initiative, which will create new relationships, strengthen existing connections and most importantly promote innovation,” Mr Martin Hamilton-Smith said.

“It provides an invaluable opportunity for local industry and the research sector to better understand DSTO’s major science and technology capabilities and future research priorities.

“There are many examples of South Australian industry and local universities partnering with DSTO to develop high tech solutions to complex problems.

“The countries best and brightest minds are working on cutting edge technology in the Adelaide based Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre, Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing and Centre of Expertise in Energetic Materials, to ensure Australia maintains its defence capability edge.

“South Australia is also playing a key role in the Australian Research Council funded Centre for Naval Defence Manufacturing. Flinders University, ASC, Babcock and PMB Defence are collaborating with DSTO, universities and industry from around Australia to foster innovation in the design and manufacture of new naval platforms, including submarines, frigates and patrol boats.

“By supporting Australian companies to develop cutting edge defence technology applications, we also protect the sovereignty of our nation and provide the best capabilities for our war fighters.
To meet this challenge we will require world-leading skills, knowledge and abilities – the hall marks of a robust and resilient economy. This presents growth and job creation opportunities for industry.”

Mr Hamilton-Smith met with DSTO’s Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky, industry and academic leaders at a South Australian hosted dinner last night.