Capability Systems Centre
What is the Capability Systems Centre?
The Capability Systems Centre (CSC) is a world-leading research institute and trusted go-to for Government and industry in the critical area of capability management and all aspects related to the capability lifecycle (design, acquisition, sustainment).
We undertake high-quality research in key areas internationally recognised as being innovative and interdisciplinary, including complex systems science, computational modelling and informatics, decision science, and actionable science.
Through collaborative research projects and consultative services, we provide specialised knowledge and expertise targeted to build the capacity of individuals and organisations to design sustainable and resilient capability systems.
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Welcome to the Capability Systems Centre at UNSW Canberra.
We bring together expertise addressing the challenges associated with the development of capability.
This is a complex, multi-stakeholder decision-making process that needs to be informed and supported by innovative decision-analysis systems.
Yet, there’s little research in the space and there are few methodologies, tools or techniques available.
The Centre’s principal focus is to address those shortfalls and, through its cutting-edge research, publications, education and engagement, combine world-class academic expertise across a range of disciplinary areas relevant to the development of capability.
We work closely with industry to develop and implement strategies to transform research education outcomes into practical applications.
The Centre's activities focus on capability systems through its lifecycle and, in particular, on the application of systems-grounded science, including systems thinking, complex systems modelling, system of systems, systems engineering, and project management.
We look forward to working with our many partners to provide a critical mass of research in this crucial area.
Associate Professor Sondoss Elsawah
— Capability Systems Centre Director
Upcoming events
Digital Aerospace Workshop – October 2025
Hosted by UNSW Canberra and the Capability Systems Centre (CSC)
Location: UNSW Canberra City Campus
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025
In response to this momentum, the Capability Systems Centre at UNSW Canberra is convening the inaugural Digital Aerospace Workshop, a strategic and high-impact event that will bring together senior leaders from government, defence, aviation, industry, and academia. This workshop is a critical step toward building a nationally coordinated vision and will form the foundation for a proposed National Digital Aerospace Summit in 2026–2027.
This invitation-only event will focus on the integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategic frameworks, including model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital twin ecosystems, AI-enabled autonomy, human–machine teaming, and AR/VR-enhanced training environments. Discussions will span both civil and military domains, with emphasis on shared safety, certification, regulatory reform, and infrastructure innovation.
Participants will engage in facilitated, outcome-oriented sessions to identify shared challenges, design collaborative pilot initiatives, and shape a national roadmap for digital aerospace transformation. Key themes include:
- Digital transformation and model-based systems engineering
- AI-driven human–machine teaming and regulatory implications
- Digital twins and AR/VR systems for training and operational validation
- Future ready civil–military airspace integration and harmonised safety systems
- The role of regulators in enabling safe innovation through digital tools
The workshop will include senior representatives from the Department of Defence, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Airservices Australia, major airport and airline corporations, Aerospace Industry, UAS companies, digital technology firms, and research institutions advancing aerospace, simulation, and systems engineering.
Professionals and organisations involved in aerospace, air traffic management, aviation regulation, defence programs, digital innovation, complex systems modelling, and aerospace integration are encouraged to express their interest.
Attendance is limited to ensure meaningful collaboration and focused outcomes.
For further information or to submit an expression of interest, please contact:
Dr Ugur Turhan
Deputy Director, Capability Systems Centre
Senior Lecturer in Aviation, UNSW Canberra
Email: u.turhan@unsw.edu.au
Professor Braden McGrath
Capability Systems Centre
Professor of Systems and Digital Engineering, UNSW Canberra
Email: braden.mcgrath@unsw.edu.au
Study with us
Postgraduate coursework
Our postgraduate coursework programs are open to qualified applicants from all walks of life and all parts of the world.
Professional and corporate education
UNSW Canberra offers a variety of short courses that cater for a wide range of needs for both Defence and non-Defence attendees.
