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On Day 3 of Land Forces 2024, September 13 Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) and Deakin University signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further develop their strong ongoing relationship.

Deakin and HDA have worked together on various research programs on human factors and materials to support HDA’s current programs, leveraging the longstanding capabilities that Deakin have built in the Geelong region.

“The agreement here today builds on a previous MoU signed in 2021, expanding the agreement Deakin and HDA have identified areas of shared interests and expertise with a focus on people and R&D,” Acting Managing Director of HDA Dean Michie said.
“The aim is to create a vibrant sovereign R&D community through research services to support defence, AI and machine learning, autonomy and robotics, materials science, advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy and other key areas of interest.”

Deakin University’s Dr James Mullins AM, Director, Defence and Security Strategic Partnerships said the updated MoU further strengthens the strong foundational work between Deakin and Hanwha already underway.

“The signing of this updated MoU strengthens Deakin’s ongoing partnership approach with Hanwha and reflects the maturing of this relationship. Our mutual interests in emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing alongside a focus on growing the local economy though education and employment opportunities remain core to this productive partnership,” Dr Mullins said.
“Deakin and Hanwha are both focused on building safe and secure communities in their work, and I look forward to continuing to build on our relationship and the opportunities which flow from this agreement for Deakin. Partnerships such as this provide immersive, real-life experiences for our students, connect researchers to world-class industry and enable collaboration and innovative outcomes.”

Underpinned by the values and strategy of each organisation, Deakin University and HDA are committed to:

• delivering excellence in defence by being ready, reliable and responsive and building connected supply chain ecosystems nationally and internationally
• building defence workforce capabilities and talent pathways to address skill shortages and gaps through lifelong learning, skill development, early career academic opportunities, as well as student and graduate placements
• the importance of research for development of defence, and advanced manufacturing excellence, as well as operational innovation and sustainability
• creating greater benefit for the communities we serve across the regions of Greater Geelong and Changwon
• the appointment of partnership leaders at Hanwha and Deakin who will ensure success, promote partnership achievements, and lead steering meetings to review progress against objectives.