DSTO opens new Sydney research centre

The custom-built facility spans three floors and almost 5,000 square metres.

It has also been equipped with the latest 3D simulation and modelling software and equipment to help DSTO scientists provide direct support to Australian Navy commanders in planning and managing missions, according to Dr Ian Sare, acting chief defence scientist at DSTO.

“For the past 22 years we’ve been operating out of a heritage building which would was no longer conducive for research,” said Sare.

“This [move] completes the modernisation and refurbishment of the DSTO across Australia.”

The Federal Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, officially launched the new centre, following an indigenous smoking ceremony to cleanse the building.

Snowdon also announced that India is the latest country to acquire the Australian minesweeping system, which was originally developed by DSTO and is now marketed by Thales.

DSTO received licensing royalties in excess of $500,000 from the deal, adding to the over $3 million in royalties it has received to date.

These royalties are being re-invested in DSTO research projects, according to Snowdon.

The system is also said to have created up to 80 jobs over its lifespan, and Thales ‘anticipates orders well into the future’.

Snowdon also jointly announced his department will fund three cadetships worth more than $300,000 over five years for Indigenous students to undertake full-time tertiary studies in science.

DSTO will be working closely with Macquarie University to identify suitable Indigenous high-school students interested in pursuing further studies in science.

Snowdon also called on industry to publish more of its scientific research reports to grow science awareness among students and the global community.

“The output of scientific literature is indicative of the health of Australia’s scientific community at a global level,” Snowdon said.

“I encourage industry to publish the outcomes of their reports more frequently and widely [so we can raise our world rank in scientific output].”

The new DSTO facility is located within Australian Technology Park at Eveleigh, south of the Sydney CBD.

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