Leading military figure Sir Angus Houston has taken time out from his busy schedule to meet with Vice Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling and key defence researchers at Flinders.

The Air Chief Marshal paid an informal visit to Flinders at Tonsley and also met with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Robert Saint; Executive Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Professor John Beynon; Defence Partnerships Director, Mr Tony Kyriacou and Associate Professor Karl Sammut from the College of Science and Engineering.

The former Chief of the Australia Defence Force retired from his role in the military in July 2011, after 41 years of service.

He has continued to play a prominent role in public life, leading the national responses to the MCH370 and MH17 disasters.

During his unofficial visit to Flinders, Sir Houston toured the Tonsley building and the Flinders MAB Pod Maritime Engineering Lab.

He discussed Flinders’ research capabilities and the university’s strengthening links with the defence sector.

Sir Houston is Chancellor for the University of the Sunshine Coast.

He is also Chair of Airservices Australia as well as the Defence South Australia Advisory Board; the Order of Australia Council; the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience Thompson Institute; the Victorian Police Corporate Advisory Group; the University of NSW Canberra Advisory Board; the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the Supashock Advanced Suspension Advisory Committee.