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Systems Engineering Training Centre

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We are Australia’s collaborative research and training centre for Systems Engineering. The initiative is designed to build a skilled, future-ready workforce to tackle Australia’s most complex challenges in the defence, space and resources sectors.

The Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) will bring together academic and industry partners with a shared interest in Systems Engineering excellence to collaboratively address complex, real-world challenges.

Higher Degree Research (HDR) students and postdoctoral researchers will work closely with industry, driving targeted innovation and talent development.

Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates various engineering domains to design, manage and sustain complex systems throughout their entire lifecycle. It provides a structured framework that ensures technical, operational and human components function cohesively: delivering reliable, high-performance solutions in challenging and dynamic environments.From initial concept and design through to launch, operation and decommissioning, Systems Engineering manages complexity, mitigates risk and enhances mission success, making it not just a technical discipline but a strategic capability.Australia’s growing ambitions in space exploration and its evolving defence landscape underscore an urgent need for advanced Systems Engineering expertise. As the nation invests in sovereign space capabilities and modern defence technologies, the ability to integrate diverse systems seamlessly becomes critical. Systems Engineering is essential to ensure these initiatives are robust, interoperable and future-ready, positioning Australia as a leader in innovation and resilience across both sectors.

In high-stakes environments, success depends on precise coordination across technologies, teams and timelines. Systems Engineers provide the tools and methodologies to manage this

complexity. Australia is currently facing a critical shortage of Systems Engineering expertise, which limits our ability to deliver large scale, strategic projects. ECU’s Training Centre is designed to bridge this gap by developing industry-ready Systems Engineers who are equipped to lead complex initiatives and drive transformation across vital sectors.

* A platform for knowledge exchange and innovation.

* HDR students and postdoctoral researchers embedded with industry partners.

* A collaborative ecosystem of academic and industry partners.

* Research and training focused on solving real-world, multi.

* An internationally recognised Systems Engineering postgraduate curriculum to continue to equip Australia’s workforce.

* Skilled, future-ready Systems Engineers, trained to tackle Australia’s most complex engineering challenges.

Embedded researcher placements tailored to your technical needs.

Gain early access to cutting-edge research and emerging technologies that can accelerate innovation and deliver a competitive edge.

Build a reliable pipeline of highly skilled, industry-ready talent equipped to tackle complex, real-world challenges.

Elevate your organisation’s profile as a forward-thinking leader in engineering innovation and national capability development.

Establish long-term value, strategic partnerships and networks with leading academic institutions, industry peers and global collaborators that enable shared problem-solving and continuous knowledge exchange.

Demonstrate corporate responsibility by investing in education, research and the development of Australia’s future workforce.

Enrich your organisation with fresh perspectives by mentoring emerging researchers and engaging with the next generation of leaders

* Host HDR student(s) and/or postdoctoral researcher(s) within your organisation.

* Engage in a sustained, strategic partnership (up to 5 years).

* Provide cash and/or in-kind contributions (such as staff time, equipment, facilities).

* Participate in the Centre’s Executive Committee to guide strategy and provide oversight.

* Co-design workshops and placements for researchers.

Ready to collaborate? Contact-

Professor Paulo de Souza

Professor Paulo de Souza

Professor Paulo de Souza is a visionary leader and researcher with global experience across academia, industry, and space science. Currently serving as the Executive Dean at Edith Cowan University, he has held senior roles at Griffith University, CSIRO, and NASA.

Paulo is passionate about translating science into real-world impact, having co-authored 60+ papers and received multiple NASA Achievement Awards. He is a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society and a GAICD-certified leader.

p.desouza@ecu.edu.au

Michele Clement

Michele Clement

Michele Clement is an experienced Director, skilled in international relations, research, public sector, policy analysis, and analytical skills and currently performs the role of Director Defence Engagement at Edith Cowan University.

Michele has a demonstrated history of supporting research and innovation and promoting science and technology as major drivers of Western Australian economic, social and environmental growth.  Throughout her career, Michele has consistently demonstrated her ability to build partnerships with a strong client focus and develop innovative programs.

Michele successfully led the establishment of the Western Australia Defence Science Centre (DSC) within the Department of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation where she demonstrated her ability to manage complex negotiations between the Commonwealth and State Governments, established strategic partnerships with WA’s public universities, senior government officials, Defence, and Defence industry.

m.clement@ecu.edu.au

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