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
UWA DSI is committed to connecting the university and the defence community and stakeholders to enable/shape and deliver solutions for defence and security of our state, nation and region.
Our Vision
- Drawing on UWA’s distinct geographical advantage as Australia’s Indian Ocean capital city, we lead in the production of impactful perspectives and relationships that contribute to an effective defence and security ecosystem.
- We unite and advance UWA research capability to be a leader in defence research to address Western Australian, Australian and regional defence and security challenges.
- We continue to be a trusted partner to Defence and defence industry to provide education and workforce training for students and professionals.
Statement on UWA Defence and Security Intent
The University of Western Australia is committed to supporting the Australian Government’s Defence and Security obligations and priorities, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which calls for a whole-of-nation approach to harness all aspects of Australia’s capability to secure national interests.
At UWA this support includes partnering with Australia’s defence sector, where such partnerships align with the national interest and are consistent with the University’s values and objectives.
The Australian government has a duty to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. As Western Australia’s leading research-intensive University, our engagement with the defence sector is critical to improving our nation’s sovereign defence capability and fostering conditions for regional security, stability and prosperity.
Western Australia’s defence industry is a priority sector for the State, contributing an estimated $3 billion each year to the WA economy and directly employing around 3,000 people. The announced establishment of a consolidated Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Western Australia’s Henderson shipyard will underpin tens of billions of dollars of investment in defence capabilities in the West over the next two decades and support in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled local jobs.
The defence industry is crucial for national security and regional stability, offering extensive opportunities for innovation and growth. By collaborating closely with this sector, we enhance the employability of our University’s students and prepare them with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet future workforce demands. These partnerships support careers in defence, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped to contribute to and lead in building a robust and forward-thinking workforce.
The University of Western Australia contributes to national security efforts and defence projects, with many initiatives supported, delivered or championed by the UWA Defence and Security Institute (DSI). The University of Western Australia is committed to building and maintaining world-class research, knowledge, infrastructure, and commercialisation pathways to support Australia’s national interests and promote the economic prosperity of Western Australia whilst upholding our core values including the right to lawful freedom of expression.
The University will also pursue opportunities from the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, supporting the Australian Government’s national security endeavours. Our defence research focuses on building defensive capabilities to make our nation safe and secure, with advancements in research and development benefiting Western Australia and the nation.
Collaboration with the defence sector in Western Australia aligns with the University’s mission to provide world-class education, research and community engagement for the advancement of the prosperity and welfare of our communities.
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.