Flinders University has been named a finalist in three categories of the Australian Defence Industry Awards: Academic Institution of the Year, Training and Mentorship program of the year for our Diploma of Digital Technologies, and Veteran Support Program of the Year for our Military Academic Pathways Program.

Being named a finalist for Academic Institution of the Year reflects Flinders’ exceptional education offerings and strong research partnerships with the defence industry.

“This is a collective effort across the whole University, our partners, staff and students,” says Tony Kyriacou, Defence Partnerships Director at Flinders.

“Every one of our colleges have defence-related contracts and these relationships are providing fantastic opportunities for our students and graduates.”

The Diploma of Digital Technologies is a joint Training and Mentorship program nomination with Flinders University partner ASC Shipbuilding.

Professor Giselle Rampersad is Professor in Innovation, and Program Coordinator for the Diploma – which upskills shipbuilders from ASC Shipbuilding (a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia)  – and leads major research projects including with Naval Group Pacific and Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group.

She said making the short finalists lists for these categories is excellent recognition of Flinders’ leadership and reputation in collaborating with the defence sector, and praised the commitment of Flinders colleagues for their tireless support of students.

“These are highly regarded awards within the defence sector and position Flinders University strategically in this industry, which is an outstanding achievement for our future prospects and growth in this sector.” Professor Rampersad said.

Flinders University’s Military Academic Pathways Program is led by Associate Professor Ben Wadham, who devised the course as a one-of-a-kind program which incorporates international best practice in veterans’ academic pathways.

The Australian Defence Industry Awards are managed by Defence Connect and celebrate the achievements and excellence of the industry’s most successful professionals and businesses.

The awards are open to all businesses operating in Australia that support the defence supply chain and are recognised as the benchmark for excellence for the defence industry.

Winners of the 2020 awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in Canberra, scheduled for 26 November this year.

View the finalists here.