HypersonicLab1021: The University of Southern Queensland hypersonic wind tunnel facility investigates aerodynamics and heat transfer on aerospace vehicles.
Cutting-edge defence research underway at the University of Southern Queensland has been recognised with the University granted membership to the Federal Government’s Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
As part of the Department of Defence, DISP provides non-military organisations with a framework for working securely with defence assets and information.
Membership signals the University of Southern Queensland’s strong capability to meet the national and international security requirements of Australia’s defence industry supply chain.
It’s another boon to the University’s thriving space and defence research endeavours, particularly in the areas of hypersonic propulsion systems, rocket fuel development, astrophysics, machine vision and advanced materials.
Professor Peter Schubel, Executive Director of the University of Southern Queensland’s Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, said the membership would allow a deeper level of industry engagement for defence research projects.
FutMat1121: The University of Southern Queensland operates a dedicated industry testing service specialising in materials characterisation, polymer analysis, mechanical testing and large-scale structural testing.
“DISP membership will promote greater collaboration between the University and defence entities in research programs, as well as facilitate greater cooperation with private industry within Australia and allied nations.” Professor Schubel said.
“We possess forward-thinking research capabilities that are attractive to the defence industry, including composites manufacturing, astronomical observatories, artificial intelligence and more. We are also home to world-class infrastructure and equipment, including the Mount Kent Astronomical Observatory, a long duration hypersonic wind tunnel and a rocket laboratory, as well as one of Australia’s largest dedicated composite materials manufacturing and testing facilities. Obtaining this membership is an important milestone in our development as a key research institution that is helping to boost Australia’s sovereign defence capability.” Schubel said.
Professor Schubel commended his team on their hard work in completing the DISP application process. “Membership confirms our demonstrated strength in managing security risks, in-depth training and holistic security policies.” he said. “Our research team has proven that we are well placed to contribute to the security of our country’s people, information and assets.”
