BlueScope takes out defence science collaboration award

BlueScope Steel and its research partners have taken out the Defence Science and Technology Enterprise Collaboration award for 2022 – the inaugural year for the Department of Defence’s new More, Together awards for excellence.

Announced at the Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit, the inaugural three awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of organisations, teams and individuals who consistently collaborate, innovate and contribute to enhancing science-and-technology (S&T) outcomes for defence.

This collaboration between industry partner BlueScope Steel and research partners the University of Wollongong and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), co-ordinated through DMTC Ltd, improved the the performance of steel used in shipbuilding which demonstrated enhanced blast resistance.

The runner-up for the enterprise collaboration award was DMTC Ltd for its National Medical Countermeasures Initiative.

The Brilliant People, Collaborative Culture Leadership award is an individual award that recognises a high-performing leader who has actively contributed to shaping the science and technology environment and empowers others to deliver world-class outcomes.

The joint winners in 2022 are:

• Professor Sarah Zhang of Western Sydney University, who is a researcher in the field of composite materials and structures with a focus on defence applications, in recognition of her leadership in addressing critical Defence needs through innovative research;
• And Maree Mahoney from Defence, in recognition of her strong commitment to, and deep understanding of strategic workforce development and tireless work driving the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) gender equity and inclusion agenda, ensuring Defence attracts and retains the best talent.

The Outstanding Research Infrastructure, Powering Innovation award for 2022 has been won by the Victorian Common User Facility Team of Lockheed Martin Australia and the Victorian government.

Located in Melbourne, this facility is designed for use by small businesses, universities and the wider innovation community to enable short-term classified activities to be undertaken in a secure environment.

Picture: Department of Defence

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