South Australian researchers have secured nearly $695,000 in funding from the Defence Innovation Partnership to collaborate on cutting-edge defence research projects.

Five research projects, aimed at enhancing the next-generation Australian Defence Force across key priority areas are being funded through the second round of the Collaborative Research Fund program.

Premier Steven Marshall said that this funding provides the opportunity to develop groundbreaking defence capabilities, and cement South Australia’s position as the defence state.

“These projects will see researchers from South Australia’s world-class universities collaborate with defence industry leaders from around the globe to solve some of Defence’s complex technological challenges,” Premier Steven Marshall said.

“Defence research and development is a key priority for South Australia’s broader defence strategy and is critical to ensure that we maximise the full extent of the Coalition Government’s $90 billion naval ship building commitment.

“The State Liberal Government understands that research and development will underpin our nation’s future defence projects, and importantly, will enhance our industry capability ahead of major defence projects based in South Australia.”

The Defence Innovation Partnership fosters collaboration across the Federal and state government, Defence Science and Technology, industry, and South Australia’s three universities.

“We are extremely pleased by the robust collaborations we have seen through the Collaborative Research Fund program. As part of our charter, the Defence Innovation Partnership will work with all applicants to find pathways to continue their research and development”, Chair of the Defence Innovation Partnership Advisory Board Kim Scott said.

The five funded projects include:

• $150,000 for Human-Machine interfaces for detecting, monitoring and managing psychological stress, led by the University of Adelaide with partners the University of South Australia, Flinders University, ElectroAutoMedics and Defence Science and Technology.

• $94,700 for identifying combat and combat-related stigma through the language of a deployed Australian military population, led by the University of South Australia with partners The University of Adelaide, Defence Science and Technology, and The Road Home.

• $150,000 for AI Enabling Australia’s Future Submarine, led by Acacia Systems Pty Ltd with partners The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, Defence Science and Technology and Lockheed Martin.

• $150,000 for Miniaturised Orbital Electronic Warfare Sensor System (MOESS) – Phase 1, led by DEWC Systems with partners Defence Science and Technology, Flinders University, The University of Adelaide and University of South Australia.

• $150,000 for engineering, design and lab-based testing of Vehicle Health Usage Monitoring System (VHUMS) for defence vehicles, led by Dynamic Engineering Solution Pty Ltd with partners Defence Science and Technology, The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University.