International Defence Science Leaders feature at ADSTAR Summit 2024

The Australian Defence Science and Technology Research (ADSTAR) Summit 2024 will bring the innovation, science and technology enterprise together to share ideas on a global scale.

​With unique access to government decision makers, industry leaders and the defence community, ADSTAR is the perfect forum to build professional connections, demonstrate ideas and find inspiration.

​The ADSTAR 2024 summit theme is Accelerating the delivery of asymmetric defence capabilities.

The summit will feature a plenary of world-leading defence science presenters and technical streams aligned to six Defence priorities: trusted autonomy, quantum technology, information warfare, long-range fires, hypersonics and directed energy.

​Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro, AC said the purpose of ADSTAR was to create connections across Australia’s science and technology sectors. 

​“ADSTAR allows our innovators, our researchers, our technologists in industry and in universities and in government to come together to build the relationships to make sure that the knowledge we create in this country is used by our ADF,” Prof Monro said.

​“It is my sincere hope that the insights shared and partnerships made at ADSTAR 2024 result in collaborations that create innovations adopted by Defence in the future.”

​A number of national and international guests will speak during the summit, including: 

• Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
• Prof Tanya Monro, AC, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist
• Ms Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, U.S. Department of Defense
• Dr Stephanie Tompkins, Director Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
• Dr Jaspinder Komal, Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence Research and Development Canada
• Dr Horie Kazuhiro, PhD, Vice-Commissioner & Chief Technology Officer, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, Japanese Ministry of Defense
• Professor Mark Hutchinson BSc (Hons), PhD (Med), Director, Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing and Chair of the Safeguarding Australia through Biotechnology Response and Engagement Alliance

ADSTAR will also see the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator launch its inaugural Pitch Day, with finalists announced at the summit’s gala dinner. 

​The ASCA Pitch Day is an initiative of the Defence Industry Development Strategy, and Head of ASCA Prof Emily Hilder said it would ensure Defence remains aware of industry innovation and technology that can provide the ADF with a capability edge.

​“I would love to see people who are Defence-curious at ADSTAR, who help us identify dual use opportunities and challenge the way we are doing things in Defence,” Prof Hilder said.

​The event will be held from 17 to 19 September 2024 at the Canberra Convention Centre. Register on the official ADSTAR event website: https://www.adstarsummit.com.au/register.   

​Media Note

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