Defence Research and Engagement

Programs

Edith Cowan University (ECU) delivers Defence capability outcomes through four integrated focus areas aligned to Australia’s sovereign capability priorities, Defence workforce needs and emerging technology challenges. ECU’s approach combines applied research, workforce development, industry collaboration and secure research translation to support Defence and Defence Industry outcomes.

Cyber Security & Information Warfare

Cyber security and secure digital capability are central to Australia’s national resilience and defence preparedness. ECU has established a national reputation in cyber security education, training and applied research, delivering capability across secure systems, critical infrastructure protection, artificial intelligence, cyber-enabled threats and information warfare.

ECU delivers bespoke cyber security education and workforce training programs aligned to Defence and industry requirements, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including advanced cyber environments and Security Operations Centre (SOC) capability.

Through applied research and industry collaboration, ECU contributes to projects involving cyber resilience, infrastructure protection, secure communications, AI-enabled decision support and emerging information warfare challenges. ECU’s cyber and security expertise is strengthened by strong industry and government partnerships and alignment with Defence priorities relating to digital resilience and information advantage.

Human Performance, Health & Workforce Resilience

ECU’s expertise in human performance, health sciences and workforce resilience supports defence capability through research focused on operational readiness, injury prevention, training effectiveness and workforce sustainability.

Drawing on ECU’s internationally recognised strengths in sport science, exercise medicine, psychology and health research, ECU delivers applied programs relevant to Defence personnel, emergency services and high-performance operational environments. Research areas include physical conditioning, injury prevention, fatigue and stress management, simulation-based training, human–AI teaming and operational performance optimisation.

ECU’s multidisciplinary approach combines health sciences, simulation technologies and workforce development to support defence capability outcomes while contributing to the long-term resilience and wellbeing of personnel and communities.

Engineering, Manufacturing & Science

ECU’s engineering and science capabilities support Defence and Defence Industry through practical education, applied research and industry-aligned innovation. ECU delivers programs in engineering, computing, automation, robotics, materials science, control systems, maritime technologies and advanced manufacturing, supported by strong Work Integrated Learning opportunities and industry partnerships.

The university’s applied engineering and science focus aligns strongly with emerging defence requirements and sustainment.

ECU provides access to world-class facilities, industry-connected learning environments and multidisciplinary research capability, enabling practical collaboration with Defence, government and industry partners.

National Security & Strategic Resilience

ECU’s national security capability brings together expertise across Defence, cyber security, psychology, law, intelligence, engineering and strategic studies to address complex security challenges and emerging threats.

The university’s multidisciplinary approach enables coordinated research and engagement relating to information warfare, digital resilience, emerging technologies, societal resilience and the future operating environment. ECU researchers contribute to understanding how Australia can strengthen national preparedness, protect critical systems and respond to evolving security challenges across both Defence and civilian domains.

By integrating applied research, workforce development and strategic partnerships, ECU supports national resilience outcomes while positioning itself as a trusted partner contributing to Australia’s future security capability