Defence Future Capability Tech Centre To Be Set Up

Defence Future Capability Technology Centre To Be Established

A call for proposals to set up a Defence Future Capability Technology Centre (DFCTC) in 2008 will be made later this month according to the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Roger Lough, at today's Defence Watch Briefing, held in Canberra.

"The Defence Future Capability Technology Centre is one of the exciting innovations to come out of the Defence Industry Policy released earlier this year," Dr Lough said.

He said the centre will utilise many of the characteristics of the broader Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme administered by the Department of Education, Science and Training.

"While modelled on the successful CRC concept, the DFCTC will be targeted at developing a specific future defence capability," Dr Lough said.

The centre will facilitate collaboration between publicly funded research organisations, leading Australian universities and Defence Industry.

"This exciting initiative is a partnership between Defence, DMO and DEST. As part of Defence's commitment to nurturing small-to-medium enterprises, we want to ensure all Australian companies have the opportunity to participate in the DFCTC and are building this into the participation guidelines," said Dr Lough.

The briefing by Australia's Chief Defence Scientist covered the key areas of focus for Defence science and technology over the coming decades, providing industry and other stakeholders with a valuable insight into near-future Defence capability challenges. The seminar also updated Defence industry representatives on recent enhancements to mechanisms used by DSTO to engage with industry and academics, such as the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program.

DSTO is the Australian Government's lead agency charged with applying science and technology to protect and defend Australia and its national interests. DSTO is a unique organisation in the Asia-Pacific region, delivering expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and other elements of national security.

In 2007 DSTO is celebrating 100 years of Defence science and technology. Over the past century the business of Defence has become increasingly reliant on new and emerging technologies. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation is the Australian Defence Force's technology partner, helping to deliver capabilities that are crucial to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

ENDS

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