Our research enhances the safety of defence personnel and strengthens Australia’s sovereign capabilities.
The University of Melbourne is a lead defence collaborator in biothreat forecasting.
Our research examines military decision-making. We help prevent injuries and accelerate recovery. And our materials research is applied from body armour through to medical implants.
We bring technologies to market with clear pathways for research translation, in compliance with Australian laws.
CBRN countermeasures and surveillance
Detection and rapid response are crucial when dealing with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. The Centre for Advanced Defence Research and Enterprise (CADRE-OCE) develops innovative technologies that counter existing, new and emerging CBRN threats. CADRE-OCE's research focuses on dual-use technologies. A national centre funded by the Australian Department of Defence and based at the University of Melbourne, CADRE-OCE brings together defence, industry and academic partners.
Medical countermeasures
We are a lead defence collaborator in biothreat forecasting and surveillance. Our medical countermeasures expertise is centred in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, one of the top five biomedical precincts in the world. It features a high containment laboratory and clinical facilities as part of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
Military decision-making
Our experts study team dynamics and decision-making in a military context. We recently completed research to help optimise extreme decision-making through trust, voice, learning and adaptive leadership in submarine command crews. The research was funded by the Defence Science and Technology Group-led Research Network for Undersea Decision Superiority.
We’re enhancing human performance by combining physical experimentation, virtual environments and complex modelling. Our research is also helping to prevent injuries and accelerate recovery through our advanced biomechanical Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment Laboratory, where we can combine physical and mental inputs on a test subject to assess injury potential.
Multidisciplinary materials for human protection and health
We develop advanced new materials with purpose-built properties. Our research is protecting Australian soldiers during active deployment through a lightweight body armour we developed. We’re also improving and protecting human health with bio-functional, nano-medicine and medical implant materials. This capability unites engineers and scientists with materials characterisation, design and manufacturing expertise.
Banner image: Australian Government Department of Defence
First published on 22 March 2024.
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