About Us
The Defence and Security Institute (DSI) is an initiative by The University of Western Australia (UWA) to unify and focus UWA’s expertise and build partnerships in defence and security research, policy, engagement, and education.
Our Mission
Defence and security provide the foundation of our nation’s sovereignty. In an era of rapidly evolving geopolitics this critical area of national policy sits at the forefront of government and public debates.
Once personified by the idea of geographical remoteness and the ‘tyranny of distance’ from the world’s economic and strategic centres of gravity, Australia is now empowered by proximity to matters of global security. We sit at the crossroads of the vast Indo-Pacific strategic system that forms the centre of strategic and economic competition in the modern age. Australia’s new geostrategic position brings both enormous opportunities as well as new risks to manage. This environment creates particular opportunities for Western Australia, as geostrategic issues require closer attention be paid to Australia’s western and northern approaches.
UWA DSI is committed to serving as a hub for the university and the WA community, drawing together UWA researchers and educators with practitioners and partners across the State and the nation. With a focus on the dynamic Indo-Pacific region we leverage local perspectives and expertise on issues such as disruptive and converging technologies; defence industry; defence capability development and maritime security; Australia’s international and defence relations and regional security.
Drawing on UWA’s distinct geographical advantage as Australia’s Indian Ocean capital city, we support the production of vital perspectives that contribute to an effective defence and security ecosystem. In doing so UWA DSI aims to:
- Be a leader in WA defence partnerships to benefit the state, the nation and the region.
- Develop UWA’s external relationships and collaborations with the Defence sector and stakeholders across WA, Australia and the region.
- Define and advocate UWA research strengths and opportunities, to increase visibility and impact of research to address Western Australian, Australian and regional defence and security challenges.
- Increase UWA’s impact on national defence policy, particularly in Indo-Pacific defence and security policy and issues and in relation to key diplomatic partnerships such as AUKUS, the Quad and the RAA.
- Facilitate and advocate multi-tiered defence and security educational and workforce training offerings for students and professionals.
Our History
UWA Defence and Security Program (DSP), funded through the Commonwealth of Australia represented by the Department of Defence: Strategic Policy Grants Program, Department of Defence, commenced in June 2020 and was completed in November 2023. The development of this program in Western Australia was used to leverage the untapped local expertise and perspectives on issues such as Defence industry, maritime security, and the Indian Ocean.
During its 3-year activity, the DSP has collaborated with state government, industry, academia, Defence and key regional partners and allies to deliver academic publications, public commentary and policy-orientated defence strategy research, as well as a suite of private and public events and programs, with new priority interests, partners and areas of research added as the program evolved. The program has brought public attention and nuanced understanding to key issues and research, exceeding its initial deliverables and outcomes.
In parallel with the commencement of the DSP, UWA conceived and stood up the Defence & Security Institute, which was officially launched in March 2021 (with the University Defence & Security Committee providing oversight of the DSP prior to this). Building on the activities under the DSP, UWA DSI has a broad mandate as a key partner in advancing Australia’s defence and security agenda and capability needs through research, education and policy contributions. This has lead to a much enhanced breadth and nature of engagement and activities.
Link to: Our People
Our People
View the UWA Defence and Security Institute Staff, Advisory Board, Executive Committee and Institute Internship Program members.
Link to: Our Partners
Our Partners
We closely with schools, departments and individual academics across the university’s campuses as well as with relevant external partners, such as industry, key state and Commonwealth departments and agencies to deliver its activities.
Link to: Compliance
Compliance
Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) Compliance accreditation.
The Defence and Security Institute is an initiative by The University of Western Australia.
The University of Western Australia acknowledges that its campus is situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.