Defence Research Institute

Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) rover-drone travelling under water surface to survey offshore pipeline

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Defence research at UNSW

As an initiative of UNSW’s 2025 Strategic Plan, the Defence Research Institute at UNSW Canberra was established to stimulate, unify and support all defence-related research within the UNSW community while striving to build and maintain a network across Australian and international defence industries. 

We operate at the frontiers of science and technology to help deliver transformational innovations that advance Australia’s global capabilities, redefine the modern defence landscape and change the world for the better.

UNSW excels in defence research areas such as cyber security, space, systems engineering, artificial intelligence, logistics, hypersonics, defence-related public sector management and conflict studies.

Key functions

  • Identify research opportunities
  • Coordinate research collaborations
  • Facilitate stakeholder partnerships
  • Support to source new funding

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