The Government of Western Australian in collaboration with State and Commonwealth Governments and four WA universities have launched the Defence Science Centre (DSC), which is set to accelerate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) PhDs into defence innovation.
The DSC is also partnering with the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s (AMSI) Australian Postgraduate Research (APR). Intern program to increase the number of internship projects undertaken through small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in WA’s defence sector.
The partnership will see 10 PhD students placed in short-term SME-led defence innovation projects. With a focus on engaging in small business in WA defence innovation, eligible industry partners will receive $10,000 DSC subsidy.
These internships are supported through the Australian Government including a 50 per cent rebate towards industry internship costs through its Supporting more Women in STEM careers, AMSI, and the National Research Internship Program (NRIP).
“We are excited to open this powerful platform for Western Australia universities to complement specialist PhD training with defence industry experience while delivering real-world innovation solutions,” said Tim Brown, AMSI director.
“Contributing to the delivery of NRIP, the placements under the APR.Intern program will allow SMEs to cost-effectively tap into specialist research talent with unique skillsets to advance WA defence innovation.”
Paul Paplia, WA defence issues minister, says the partnership would contribute to the WA Government’s support for small business led defence innovation and ongoing efforts to secure the state’s STEM future.
“This partnership will foster essential research-industry collaboration, accelerating WA defence innovation and building STEM capability position the state as a global innovation leader,” Paplia said.
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