Activating excellence in research and education for the defence industry
The Griffith University Defence Network is ideally placed to adapt research and educational needs for Defence and the Defence Industry because at Griffith we have a history of doing things differently—for almost 50 years we have been challenging conventions, creating bold new trends and pioneering solutions. Ranking in the top 2% of universities worldwide, Griffith's teaching and research prioritise innovation and social impact, doing the things that matter to create a brighter future for all.
Lines of operation
Griffith University Defence Network delivers tailored Defence solutions through four main lines of operation: research, education, policy development and veteran transition.
Research
Access world-class research capability
Through our extensive network of researchers, Griffith University Defence Network co-creates solutions for defence needs, and gives the Department of Defence and Defence Industry unprecedented access to world-class expertise, capability and know-how spanning areas as diverse as advanced technologies and social marketing.
Research case study
Healthy eating for military personnel research
The Australian Defence Force’s commitment to health and well-being identified diet-induced health problems unique to military life. With the potential to lead to poor physical performance, injury, illness, and in some cases premature separation and discharge, the need to improve the dietary habits of military personnel was prioritised.
Griffith researchers identified that diet choices could be improved in the military environment by making healthy food choices more available, prominent and convenient. So they developed the Go Food program, which provided messaging, cafeteria layout, food options and prices tailored to improve food choices.
Education
Gain qualifications for a defence career
Our degrees can be supplemented with defence-relevant professional development, industry experience and ongoing learning opportunities, providing both current and aspiring Defence and Defence Industry personnel with practical knowledge and skills to accelerate their career progression.
Education case study
Cyber Studio created for IT Graduates
Griffith University Defence Network provides a unique opportunity for the defence industry to design how their personnel learn. Our School of Information and Communication Technology partnered with tech-company RightCrowd to establish Cyber Studio. As a global provider of safety, security and compliance solutions, RightCrowd works with Cyber Studio to deliver 12-month paid internships that produce tertiary qualified cyber security professionals with customised practical skills, international security industry exposure, and invaluable soft skills. Griffith University Defence Network provides the same unique opportunity for the Defence Industry to design how their personnel learn and in turn strengthen their defence career progression.
Policy development
Access academics’ security policy expertise
Griffith University Defence Network contributes to the critical role of defining Australia’s future national security policies. Our geo-strategic research network of national security experts regularly enhances the quality of public debate and can adapt research to policy and protocols for contested environments.
Policy development case study
Research influences policy change
Griffith University’s Associate Prof Jamie Ranse is recognised internationally for his work focusing on strengthening health systems for disruptive events that are either unplanned (such as disasters, public health emergencies and extreme weather) or planned (such as mass gatherings and major events). Based on this research expertise, and through Griffith's Disaster Management Network, Dr Ranse has worked with the Army to improve policies around response capacity, physical surge capacity, and hospital surge capacity in times of disaster.
Veteran transition
Support post-service skills
Griffith University has an established Veterans Pathway Program, which gives special consideration for defence service. Once enrolled, Griffith University Defence Network will work alongside partners RSL Queensland and Legacy to develop and maintain a 360-degree understanding of each veteran’s experience to achieve a seamless career transition.
Veteran transition case study
Achieving more life goals after army service
“After leaving school in Year 9, I served as a Rifleman in the Australian Army for six years before discharging. I discovered that Griffith offered a university entry rank to anyone who has served for more than two years in the Australian Defence Force. I studied a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, then a Bachelor of Law, and then was accepted into the Griffith Honours College. After working at Herbert Smith Freehills, I was admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of Queensland.
“I want other veterans to know you don’t need to have gone to Year 10 or 12 to get into uni.”
Matthew Sharp
Graduated Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Defence Force survey
Let us know if you are an Australian Defence Force veteran, or are a family member of an Australian Defence Force veteran.
Joining Griffith
“The decision to join Griffith was a natural progression for me. I believe Griffith University has enormous potential as a research and professional development partner for Defence and Defence Industry. Most recently as Special Operations Commander-Australia and Commander 7th Combat Brigade, my passion was the professional and cultural reforms necessary to enhance the security of Australia. Through the Griffith University Defence Network I have the wonderful opportunity to continue my passion alongside an extensive network of impressive researchers and academics who contribute directly to sovereign capabilities that keep Australians safe in our rapidly evolving and increasingly uncertain geo-strategic environment.”
Major General (Retired) Professor Adam Findlay AO
Professor of Practice, Defence and Regional Security