3D printed heat-resistant ceramics, quantum-safe projects among those funded through QDSA grants

Five projects linking defence industry companies with researchers have each been awarded up to $250,000 through the Queensland Defence Science Alliance’s (QDSA) 2024 Collaborative Research Grants (CRG.)

According to a statement from Defence on Monday, the projects are funded over 18, and cumulatively worth $3 million once co-funding from participants is included.

Projects are listed as:

• Transitioning to Quantum-Safe: featuring University of Queensland, Griffith University, University of the Sunshine Coast and Semicon, and aiming to protect defence against quantum threats “by accelerating the transition of quantum-safe applications critical to national security”.
• Integrating Long Range Cargo UAVs into the Battlespace Operating Systems: featuring Charles Darwin University, Griffith University, SAI Dynamics and Safran, and aiming to develop, test and trial the delivery of medical items over long-ranges using Australian-made heavy-fuel Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
• Autonomous Littoral AI Marine Threat Detection System: featuring Griffith University, Charles Darwin University and EPE, and developing a system integrating an uncrewed ground vehicle, remote electromagnetic sensors, and uncrewed aerial system “into a self-contained mobile unit optimised for littoral detection of sub-surface objects, bathymetric changes and activity.”
• 3D printing ceramics for temperature resistant and load bearing aerostructures: featuring James Cook University, University of Queensland and Lockheed Martin Australia, and developing 3D printed and tested ceramic structures “for thermal management in emerging hypersonic applications.”
• Rapid medical supply delivery: featuring University of Queensland, Outer Loop Engineering and SAAB Australia, aiming to improve the speed and effectiveness of trauma treatment and answering “the challenge of 72 seconds from launch to patient, five kilometres away.”

QDSA is one of five state-sponsored Defence research and innovation networks under the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN).

Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to all recipients, but in particular to Charles Darwin University, as the newest member to QDSA under the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network.”

Picture: credit Queensland Defence Science Alliance/Linkedin