Associate Professor Steven Wiederman is an interdisciplinary researcher working across the fields of sensory neuroscience, computational neuroscience and autonomous systems.
“Over my entire research career, I have worked within defence collaborations,” says Associate Professor Wiederman, who heads the Visual Physiology and Neurobotics Laboratory at the University of Adelaide.
Professor of Data Science at the University of Adelaide, Lewis Mitchell’s research lies at the intersection of data science, computer science and mathematical modelling.
“I’m interested in how information flows over social networks and studying how online posts can lead people to influence each other on social networks,” says Professor Mitchell, who leads two Defence Trailblazer industry projects.
Associate Professor Sushmita Ruj is the Faculty of Engineering Lead at the UNSW Institute for Cybersecurity (IFCYBER). With expertise in cryptography and privacy enhancing technologies, her interest in research for Defence developed organically.
“Through my involvement with Defence Trailblazer, I am building stronger relationships with defence organisations and exploring options to develop sovereign capabilities for Australian defence,” says Associate Professor Ruj.
Professor Tat-Jun (TJ) Chin has forged his career around developing state-of-the-art solutions for Space using innovative Artificial Intelligence techniques.
As the University of Adelaide Theme Lead for Defence Space Technologies, he contributes his foundational research expertise to uplift the Australian defence space industry and achieve commercial impact.
Professor Matt Garratt leads the Defence Trailblazer’s UNSW team for Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence (RASAI).
“At UNSW Canberra, we have a unique microcosm representing all of the key focus areas of Defence Trailblazer. This allows me to not just work in RASAI but also dabble in other fields such as hypersonics, space and cyber,” says Professor Garratt.
Dr Oleksandra Molloy’s multidisciplinary research draws on her expertise in human factors, safety, advanced air mobility, uncrewed systems, and artificial intelligence (AI).
“I firmly believe that research-driven insights, when integrated effectively with technology and training frameworks, can significantly enhance the preparedness and adaptability of Defence personnel,” says Dr Molloy.
Associate Professor Claudia Szabo leads the Defence Trailblazer’s University of Adelaide team for Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence (RASAI), one of five key areas aligned with the Defence Strategic Review.
She is passionate about applying the theoretical aspects of her research to Defence, and connecting industry with academia by growing research projects and partnerships.
Accelerating ideas into commercial-ready products, the Defence Trailblazer is strengthening Australia’s sovereign capabilities through the rapid translation of disruptive new R&D technologies.
Leading the UNSW team for Hypersonics & Countermeasures, one of five key areas aligned to the Defence Strategic Review, Professor Andrew Neely is passionate about addressing important challenges in high-speed flight and propulsion and improving diversity in aerospace and academia.