Call for Expressions of Interest - Australian Energetic Materials Research Network (EMRNET)

Defence Science Partnership Opportunity in the area of: Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) IS&T sub-Program

Defence is seeking Expressions of Interest (EoI) from interested Australian Universities to collaborate with Defence in the establishment of the Australian Energetic Materials Research Network (EMRNET) to accelerate the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise’s research and development and future work force capability.

The core objectives of EMRNET are to prioritise research innovation, education and training aimed at bridging the gaps in energetic materials capability to meet the evolving GWEO Enterprise demands. EMRNET will deliver opportunities to build fundamental knowledge base and specialised skills, leveraging the respective strengths of Defence, Academia and Industry, working in partnership to drive the education, training and research in alignment with GWEO Enterprise’s strategic objectives and plan.

The proposed Innovation, Science and Technology focus areas, aligned with the existing and emerging capability requirements of Defence are categorised into four research themes across the energetic materials life cycle/value chain.

Theme 1: Design and Modelling

Theme 2: Materials and Manufacturing 

Theme 3: Advanced Testing and Evaluation

Theme 4: Degradation and Disposal

Defence intents to establish EMRNET as the national network for energetic materials research. EMRNET will serve as the cornerstone for driving technological innovation, enabling real world insights of students and researchers into the fundamental and applied aspects of Energetic Materials and Technologies.

Research projects and training programs within EMRNET may include;

• A range of priority research projects in the area of Energetic Materials and Technologies.
• Honours/Master by Research/PhD projects on which DST Group & Defence can seek to tailor and alignment with future requirements.
• Feasibility studies of dedicated training and education packages aligned with the EMRNET objectives to grow workforce skills.

To apply:

Interested Australian universities are invited to submit their proposals to identify the Strategic Partner universities towards EMRNET Phase 1.

For further information and queries regarding the EoI, please email: rze.arg@qrsrapr.tbi.nh

Submissions close at 2.00 pm (AEST) 24 April 2025.