R&D

GREAT MINDS THINK VICTORIA

Victoria is the home to world leaders in innovation, new technologies, research and development (R&D) and advanced manufacturing. Victoria has world-renowned research institutes and organisations which are supported by a world-class tertiary education sector.

Victoria has the highest number of Australia’s graduates in information technology, engineering and related technologies. Defence technology research is undertaken by various Victorian tertiary institutions, often in collaboration with industry and international organisations. For further information on the capability of defence-relevant research across Victoria's university sector, see the Victorian Defence Research University capability map.

Melbourne’s strength in R&D was demonstrated by Lockheed Martin Corporation’s decision in 2016 to establish a $13 million advanced multi-disciplinary R&D centre in Melbourne. This is the first such facility to be established by Lockheed Martin Corporation outside of the United States. Lockheed Martin said Melbourne’s strong international reputation for R&D was a key factor in its decision.

A STATE OF SMART THINKERS

Victoria brings together the world’s best and brightest minds in defence R&D. With so many facilities in one state, Victoria is the nation’s hub for clever thinking and specialist defence knowledge.

The Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group) is the second largest publicly-funded R&D organisation in Australia, with part of their operations based in Melbourne. The DST Group has strong capabilities in electronics, systems engineering, platform information systems, autonomous systems and other digital and electronic technology.

The Defence Science Institute (DSI) was established in 2010 within the University of Melbourne. The DSI is jointly funded by the State Government of Victoria, DST Group and the University of Melbourne. The DSI’s work is broadly grouped under five themes: human protection and performance; propulsion and energy storage; simulation and modelling; surveillance and autonomy; cyber and IT security. 

For further information on the capability of defence-relevant research across Victoria's university sector, see the DSI's Victorian Defence Research University capability map.

The Defence Materials Technology Centre is engaged in the development and supply of new materials technologies, electronic systems, advanced components and manufacturing processes in collaboration with defence, defence industries and research agencies.

The Australian Manufacturing and Materials Precinct (AMMP) is a hub for industry and research organisations. Based in south-east Melbourne, the AMMP is home to 40 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing companies, as well as the CSIRO, Monash University and the Australian Synchroton.

Educational institutions Melbourne, Monash, La Trobe, Deakin, RMIT, Swinburne and Victoria Universities all have world-class research capabilities.

For further information on Victoria’s research in the areas of information and computing sciences, engineering and technology.

Chemical, biological and radiological defence is developed in Victoria, with R&D and countermeasure capabilities. Melbourne is one of only three international cities with two universities in the global top 20 biomedicine rankings. More than 40 per cent of ASX listed biotech and medical equipment companies are located in Victoria.

ICT and cyber expertise is fostered in Victoria, with a wide range of capabilities in cyber security, electronic surveillance and countermeasures, radar and sonar systems, communications systems and robotics.

Private sector companies undertake significant defence R&D in Victoria, including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Thales, Siemens and BMT Design and Technology.