Deakin and Defence strengthen relationship with new base for Waurn Ponds

Deakin University has welcomed news the State Government will base the new Geelong Defence Procurement Office at Deakin's Waurn Ponds campus.

Deakin's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Lee Astheimer said today's announcement by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was an ideal fit for Deakin as the university continued to play a key role in establishing Geelong as a hub for Australian defence initiatives. 

"The Geelong Defence Procurement Office will provide a unique collaboration opportunity between our university, Government and industry," Professor Astheimer said.

The proposed Defence Procurement Offices will sit alongside some of the world's most innovative research, programs and facilities, including the Institute for Frontier Materials, the Centre for Intelligent Systems Research, and the new Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training, where Deakin is pioneering problem solving-based engineering.

Also nearby is the globally-unique Carbon Nexus research facility, advancing carbon fibre research into low cost, high strength applications, with projects underway including defence-related research applications.

"Deakin's world-leading expertise, infrastructure and resources means the Geelong Defence Procurement office will have direct access to among the best advanced teaching, research and industry-focused developmental centres," Professor Astheimer said.

"We are well-placed to directly respond to the needs of Australia's Defence Force.

 "The procurement office will further enhance Deakin's existing strong research relationships with industry and Department of Defence groups such as the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC), Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the Defence Science Institute (DSI)."