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.
Defence Trailblazer has seen a strong start to 2025, with 35 industry-led projects contracted to fast-track the translation of defence research & development (R&D) activities, and 19 further projects in the pipeline. The projects involve 26 different industry partners and represent $135M of R&D activities aligned to Australian Defence requirements in areas of strategic priority.