Over the last four years, Dr Stephen Sun has become DSTG's resident subject matter expert in the assessment of the quality, and hence reliability, of aerospace components fabricated using additive manufacturing. Learn more about this exciting area of research.
Our high achievers
DSTG scientists and engineers are frequently recognised for their achievements in helping to safeguard Australia with defence science innovation.
You can browse news articles celebrating our recent high achievers below.
Latest recipients
![Dr Stephen Sun - DSTG's resident subject matter expert in the assessment of the quality and reliability of aerospace components fabricated using additive manufacturing. Over the last four years, Dr Stephen Sun has become DSTG's resident subject matter expert in the assessment of the quality and reliability of aerospace components fabricated using additive manufacturing. Learn more about this exciting area of research.](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/dr-stephen-sun-dstg%20400%20x%20300px.png?itok=sk6p0ZK3)
![DSTG chemist Dr Ashleigh Farnsworth DSTG chemist Dr Ashleigh Farnsworth](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/dr-ashleigh-farnsworth-dstg-400%20x%20300px.png?itok=PmAnxCJQ)
Since their discovery in 2011, self-healing vitrimer polymers have been shown to address the limitations of both thermoset and thermoplastic materials. It’s an application that is not well understood and offers exciting opportunities for Defence.
![The NAVIGATE Team receives a 2024 VCDF Award from Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN. Pictured (L-R): Lisa Murdock, Sallyann Salmon, VCDF Vice Admiral David Johnson (presenting), Jessica Brophy and Benjamin Gray. The NAVIGATE Team receives a 2024 VCDF Award from Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN. Pictured (L-R): Lisa Murdock, Sallyann Salmon, VCDF Vice Admiral David Johnson (presenting), Jessica Brophy and Benjamin Gray.](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/navigate%20scientists%20win%20defence%20award.png?itok=I3OI36A1)
Two vastly different but equally significant contributions by DSTG teams to Defence capability have been acknowledged through prestigious Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) Capability Awards.
![Main image: Defence scientist Cara Faulkner. Cara worked on operations research for the RAAF relating to the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Defence scientist Cara Faulkner. Cara worked on operations research for the RAAF relating to the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/20240125dstg8654323_0003.jpg?itok=w_nLB5DZ)
Could her Masters degree in theoretical physics be put to good use in Defence? That's what Cara Faulkner wondered as she applied for a position in the 2022 Defence Graduate Program intake, culminating in her receiving the Gus Schaefer Award.
![Dr Ismail Shakeel Dr Ismail Shakeel recently completed a Chief Defence Scientist (CDS) Fellowship, during which he made significant contributions to the field of "Trainable Radios" that use artificial intelligence to autonomously optimise radio frequency (RF) communications in contested environments.](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/cds-fellowship-defence-science-ismail-shakeel.jpg?itok=T3xfiSL8)
Dr Ismail Shakeel recently completed a Chief Defence Scientist (CDS) Fellowship, during which he made significant contributions to the field of "Trainable Radios" that use artificial intelligence to autonomously optimise radio frequency (RF) communications in contested environments.
![Franke Agenbag, a Space Systems Engineer at DSTG, has designed a first-of-its-kind imaging system for the Buccaneer CubeSat main mission project. Franke Agenbag, a Space Systems Engineer at DSTG, has designed a first-of-its-kind imaging system for the Buccaneer CubeSat main mission project.](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/women-innovation-award-defence-science-technology-dstg.jpg?itok=b6U5GRix)
When a young Franke Agenbag searched for constellations in the night sky, she could never have imagined she would grow up to send capability into space.
![DSTG Chief Dr Greg Bain (left) presents Professor Javaan Chahl with a Defence Commendation acknowledging his valuable partnership with DSTG and Defence. DSTG Chief Dr Greg Bain (left) presents Professor Javaan Chahl with a Defence Commendation acknowledging his valuable partnership with DSTG and Defence.](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/Greg%20Bain%20and%20Javaan%20Chahl%20570%20x%20350px.jpg?itok=vm8coM3q)
Australia's Chief Defence Scientist has presented a Defence Commendation to Professor Javaan Chahl, DSTG Joint Chair of Sensor Systems at the University of South Australia (UniSA).
![L-R: Daniel Borg, Manik Attygalle and David Burdon at the DSTG antenna test facility. L-R: Daniel Borg, Manik Attygalle and David Burdon at the DSTG antenna test facility](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/metasteerers-eureka-prize-outstanding-science.jpg?itok=j99DI0K6)
The MetaSteerers team awarded the 2023 Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.
![](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/MiTE-400x300_0.jpg?itok=d9TFr0jj)
A new robust, lightweight device that is suitable for fitment to aircraft and able to deliver vital stress data in real time has taken out the National and SME Innovation Awards at the Australian International Airshow.
![](https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/general_thumb_180x140/public/articles/news/Alex%20Kalloniatis%20400x300.jpg?itok=OJfE_Phe)
Defence operations analyst Dr Alexander Kalloniatis is the 2021 recipient of the Defence Minster's Award for Achievement in Science and Technology.