In summary

  • A new partnership has been announced between Swinburne’s AIR Hub and APR.Intern, in collaboration with the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute and Defence Science Institute
  • Defence Science Institute will conditionally provide up to 20 vouchers valued at $10,000 each for SME partners of AIR Hub
  • The partnership is set to provide new research opportunities for the Australian aerospace sector

Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) has partnered with the APR.Intern program of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (ASMI) to accelerate innovation in the aerospace industry and increase employability and industry engagement for PhD students.

AIR Hub’s collaboration with APR.Intern will facilitate the placement of AIR Hub PhD students, as well as others from within Swinburne, in short-term research projects of up to six months, utilising a network of aerospace industry partners.

AIR Hub is a research and industry collaboration that is developing the next generation of aerostructures and using advanced composite materials to design and produce innovative aerostructures. AIR Hub leverages cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities and expert teams to produce novel composite structures for the next generation of air mobility. 

Meaningful funding

Defence Science Institute, who provide a gateway to Australia’s Defence Science capability will conditionally provide up to 20 vouchers valued at $10,000 each to SME partners with projects that relate to defence aerospace in 2023 and 2024. Further, in line with a commitment to increase the number of women in STEM careers, the Women in STEM Subsidy will also be available to AIR Hub partners that engage a female PhD candidate from a STEM discipline. This $7500 subsidy, which is funded by the Australian Government’s Women in STEM & Entrepreneurship (WISE) grants program, can be combined with the voucher, totalling $17,500.

This collaboration will provide highly valuable opportunities for researchers and industry professionals alike, developing and strengthening relationships between academics and industry. Students engaged in the research projects will build valuable industry networks while developing soft skills that will enhance their employability. Industry partners will benefit from a cost-effective solution to R&D challenges and will be able to diversify their workforce and research capabilities.                                          

Students engaged in the research projects will build valuable industry networks while developing soft skills that will enhance their employability.

Growing the aerospace and aviation sectors

“Swinburne’s AIR Hub is excited by this opportunity to grow Australia’s talent in the aerospace industry, giving our students exposure to real industry challenges by working on applied projects. We know these internships will attract those considering an industry-focused research and development career,” says AIR Hub Director Dr Adriano Di Pietro.

AMSI Director Professor Tim Marchant says that the collaboration will create new research opportunities for Australia’s aerospace sector.

“AMSI is pleased to support this exciting initiative, which will provide AIR Hub research students with new internship opportunities in the aviation sector,” Professor Marchant says.

The partnership will bring together research and industry and will combine cutting-edge research and advanced manufacturing in order to drive the Australia aerospace industry forward, creating lasting industry relationships. 

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