Australian Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne has launched a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between leading defence firm Northrop Grumman and Flinders University to provide for collaborative research and support of education and training programs for defence-related programs.
The MoU was signed by Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling and Northrop Grumman Australia Chief Executive Ian Irving.
In witnessing the signing Minister Pyne welcomed the commitment of Northrop Grumman and Flinders University to growing Australia’s skills and technology base.
Mr Irving said it marks the start of a productive new relationship.
“We are excited to be partnering with one of the nation’s leading education and research institutions,” Mr Irving said.
“South Australia is a key defence hub for the nation and Northrop Grumman Australia’s engagement with Flinders University is a significant part of our commitment to deepening engagement with academic institutions and up-skilling future workers for cutting edge defence programs in this state and around the nation.”
The MoU will help students acquire the technological and practical skills to meet industry demand in areas such as simulation and autonomous systems, as well as growing Australian capability through joint research. It is an extension of Northrop Grumman’s continuing engagement with local academia, its commitment to building the future workforce and to growing sovereign defence capability.
Professor Stirling spoke of the importance of nurturing research and education partnerships with technology leaders such as Northrop Grumman.
“Flinders University provides an exceptional learning environment that enables students to achieve their full potential,” he said.
“We believe this MoU with Northrop Grumman will further enhance our world-class research and education, helping equip our students to develop the skills and knowledge required to become future leaders in the defence sector and the knowledge economy more broadly.”
The MoU represents the first step in a collaborative partnership. It will support joint research projects, internships and work experience for students within Flinders University, and also allows Northrop Grumman staff participation in education and training programs offered by Flinders University, encouraging the sharing and exchange of ideas and knowledge between their staff and students.
“Northrop Grumman is delighted to partner with Flinders University due to its position at the forefront of defence-oriented research and development,” Mr Irving said. “We are particularly excited about the opportunity to work with them to develop Australian skills and research in areas where Northrop Grumman has global expertise, such as simulation and autonomous systems.”
The Vice-Chancellor said Flinders’ College of Science and Engineering is distinguished by the calibre of its research.
“Flinders University welcomes the opportunity for collaboration with an industry powerhouse such as Northrop Grumman to create significant opportunities and benefits for our students, the South Australian community and for the national economy,” Professor Stirling said.
See Minister Pyne’s media release here.