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STEM Saving Lives

To celebrate National Science Week, we are showcasing some of the amazing, life-saving work of our Defence scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

Below you'll find examples of high-impact work from across Defence, including our civilian and ADF workforces, showcasing how our STEM professionals not only support our military personnel on the front-line, but provide essential science and technology support to enable the Australian Government to respond in the event of a national crisis.

From helping to ensure a ready supply of personal protective equipment, to protecting the occupants of vehicles from land mines, our STEM workforce is focussed on keeping us safe. 

Breathe easy

Breathe Easy

Through the Defence COVID-19 Rapid Response Group, DST was tasked with converting non-invasive ventilators into invasive ventilators.

The Ventilator Conversion Team adopted a fast-fail prototype approach in developing this system and created an oxygen insertion valve that can be installed on most non-invasive sleep apnoea ventilators.

Thanks to this work, Australia is now in a strong position to rapidly increase ventilator stocks in an emergency situation if or when required.

Shields at the ready

Shields at the Ready

During the first stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, the need for personal protective equipment was expected to exceed normal supply chains and source materials were scarce.

Engineering staff at Defence Science and Technology Group designed a face shield that could be manufactured as an emergency replacement, using materials and processes that were already available locally. 

While local industry was able to step up and meet the need independently, these masks are a great example of Defence’s ability to rapidly respond in crisis.

Increasing our protection capability

Increasing our protection capability

Defence has helped in the call-to-arms for personal protective equipment through support of MED-CON, Australia’s only surgical face mask manufacturer.

With only two out of three machines operational, action was needed to maximise production capacity so Defence support was deployed. Initially, the project scope was to repair the third machine, but this expanded to create a complete data package allowing the remanufacture of three new machines.

With the support of the Land Engineering Agency from CASG and the Special Operations Logistics Squadron in the Army, over 1300 individual components were created in less than 19 days.

Testing with a big drop

Testing with a big drop

The LPDP Drop Tower is a new capability developed by Land Systems Division, CASG. This technology saves lives by improving the performance of Australia’s armoured vehicles against threats such as landmines.

The tower simulates the effects of an under-vehicle mine blast, allowing survivability systems and upgrades to be tested more quickly, more affordably and more often than was previously possible.

The tower structure has a sled to attach a payload. Raising the sled and letting it drop into an impact absorbing system simulates the severe acceleration of a mine blast for testing.

Keeping our heads above water

Keeping our heads above water

Life-jackets and flotation aids are designed to keep people safe when they’re travelling over or in water.

Combining this safety equipment with mission essential equipment required by ADF close-combatants can create difficulties, so equipment must be thoroughly tested before acquisition.

To support continued modernisation of this capability, Land 125 Phase 4 has assessed various flotation systems that are suitable for use in the ADF context. Collaborating with Defence Science and Technology Group, Prototype Engineering Centre and Diggerworks, the project has been able to draw on the many STEM strengths across Defence, testing many pieces of equipment to ensure superior capability for the user.

To learn more about our activities for National Science Week 2020, please visit our event page.

Key information

National Science Week
15 - 23 August