Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro, left, and New
Zealand’s Chief Defence Scientist David Galligan sign the
Statement of Intent which will strengthen cooperation on
defence science between the two countries
(Photo/Supplied)
New Zealand and
Australia are strengthening cooperation in defence science
through the signing of a new Statement of Intent covering
innovation, science and technology.
The statement
formalises deeper science collaboration between New
Zealand’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) and
Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group
(DSTG).
The agreement identifies three areas of
cooperation to address innovation, science and technology
challenges and deepen
collaboration:
- Integration will
strengthen collaboration through activities including
experimentation, wargaming and interoperability
initiatives. - Upskilling through visits and
personnel exchanges will increase opportunities for
short-term visits and personnel exchanges to share expertise
and strengthen the defence science
workforce. - Defence Science
Partnering will expand collaboration across
Defence, industry and academia to harness the broader
innovation ecosystem.
New Zealand Chief Defence
Scientist Dr David Galligan and Australia’s Chief Defence
Scientist Professor Tanya Monro signed the statement during
the annual Five Eyes Science and Technology Principals
meeting hosted by New Zealand this week.
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Dr Galligan
welcomed the signing of the statement.
“New Zealand
and Australia each bring unique strengths in defence science
and technology. This Statement of Intent will help us
combine those strengths more effectively to address shared
challenges and deliver practical outcomes for
Defence.”
Professor Monro also welcomed the signing
of the statement.
“Australia and New Zealand share a
longstanding partnership and a strong commitment to
advancing science, technology and innovation in support of
national security,” Professor Monro said.
“This
Statement of Intent provides a practical framework for our
defence science organisations to deepen collaboration, share
expertise and pursue areas of mutual interest.
“By
strengthening connections between our people, organisations
and broader research communities, we can build on our
complementary strengths and deliver greater impact
together.”
With the statement now signed, a framework
has been established that will support DSTG’s and DST’s
pursuit of closer collaboration.
The agreement
supports implementation of the Operationalising the
Australia-New Zealand Alliance: Anzac 2035 – Closer
Defence Relations Statement, which was signed by the
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and New
Zealand Minister of Defence Judith
Collins.
