The much-awaited release of the Defence Strategic Review has highlighted the importance of Australia developing and advancing Pillar 2 of AUKUS “in the shortest possible time”.
“The Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia’s research-intensive universities, stands ready to support the nation’s defence research effort in bringing this Pillar to successful delivery,” said Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson.
“The review underscores the critical importance of the nation’s research-intensive universities to the success of AUKUS. Go8 universities have significant capability in the areas identified in the Review – such as Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, Undersea Capabilties, Quantum Technologies, Hypersonic and Counter-Hypersonic capabilities, Advanced Cyber; Electronic Warfare; Innovation; and Information Sharing.
“We are also a pivotal part of Australia’s research effort, conducting 70 per cent of our nation’s university research activity, more than that of our counterpart groups in the UK (68 per cent) and the US (63 per cent).
“Our defence research effort is also critically important given the relative contribution from other sectors. Unlike our partner nations, the US and UK, business expenditure on R&D (BERD) accounts for only around half of all R&D expenditure in Australia. This compares to 67 per cent for the UK and 75 per cent in the US.
“However, we cannot do this alone. Our universities have deep and longstanding relationships with our partner universities in the US and UK which will enable the collaborations necessary to see AUKUS Pillar 2 to fruition.
“So this week – ANZAC week – when our nation’s defence is front and centre – marks the start of an AUKUS research universities partnership at the Go8-convened meeting of the Global Research Intensive Universities Network (GRIUN) in Washington. Research security and AUKUS are top priorities on the agenda.
“While in Washington we will be looking at how to best work together to break down the barriers identified in the Review, including information sharing, intellectual property considerations and technological cooperation, security clearance protocols and fast-tracking visas.
“We must ensure we do not underutilise the capability that exists in our leading research universities, as highlighted by Major General Gus McLachlan (Ret’d) in a Debate@Go8 podcast.
“With an investment of close to $100 million in defence related research, we are a national resource and stand ready to assist.”