A Conversation with Libby Day, South Australia Defence Teaming Center

UTIC Intersections–Conversations with Ocean and Undersea Tech Leaders: Discussions with influential leaders in the undersea technology community, soliciting their technical insights and observations.

Libby Day understands the complexities of international collaboration in nationally vital and closely regulated industries.  She has held international leadership positions at Roche and Baxter, and more recently helped lead and advise member-based organizations including the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre and the Medical Technology Association of Australia.  A Bachelor of Arts graduate from the University of South Australia, Libby also received her Graduate Diploma in Public Affairs at the University of Sydney and is leadership qualified through the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  Libby currently leads the Defence Teaming Center (DTC), Australia’s premier industry association focused on bringing together Defence Primes, SMEs, academia and professional service providers to collaborate for defence market opportunities. The DTC is a UTIC strategic partner, and one of the key enablers of Australia’s role in the AUKUS alliance.

We asked Libby for her thoughts on some important undersea technology questions:

How are your DTC members in South Australia innovatively addressing the region’s ocean and undersea technology needs?

South Australia is a hub for undersea technology innovation, driven by its commitment to defense and research. The state is actively developing and supporting projects in areas like undersea surveillance, submarine technology, and autonomous underwater vehicles, with funding from the South Australian government and various defense organizations. The state’s universities and research institutions play a key role in these initiatives, collaborating with industry and government. 

Here’s are just a few ways that South Australia is making a significant impact on undersea technology innovation:

• Undersea Surveillance: South Australia is investing in enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s undersea surveillance capabilities, including improving the accuracy and range of detection, tracking, and localization of undersea threats. 
• Submarine Technology: The state is actively involved in the development and construction of submarines, including the AUKUS program, which will see nuclear-powered submarines built in Adelaide. 
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Research projects are exploring the development of underwater recharging stations for AUVs, which could extend their endurance and operational effectiveness. 
• Hydrophones and Sensing Technologies: University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers have developed a highly sensitive hydrophone using optical fiber cables, capable of detecting subtle underwater sounds. 

What have you seen as the most effective approaches for public/private collaboration in the South Australia and the broader AUKUS undersea tech community?

We are lucky that our federal and regional governments have been an involved and supportive partners, enabling collaboration for maritime and undersea defence technology initiatives.  The defence work that DTC members deliver relies heavily on key government collaborative initiatives, including:

• The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG): DSTG is the Australian government’s lead agency responsible for applying science and technology to safeguard Australia and its national interests.  The DSTG supports and collaborates with universities and industry on various defense projects, including undersea surveillance and AUV research. 
• Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP):  The South Australian government, through the DIP, supports research and development projects aimed at improving Defence capabilities, including undersea technologies. 

This productive and important collaborative work stretches beyond borders to include organizations like UTIC, who plays a role in fostering innovation and collaboration in the undersea technology sector across AUKUS partners.

What advice do you offer to your DTC members to help them stay current on the fast-paced ocean and undersea tech world? 

In South Australia, we are lucky to have a range of great resources that help us stay current on the ocean and undersea tech universe.  Here are just a few of the groups that we collaborate with to keep DTC members current: 

• Universities: The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia (UniSA) are actively involved in undersea research and development with the government and with our member companies.
• Defence Software Firms:  Our regional software firms are significant sources of important research and innovation that helps keep our members current. Companies like Acacia Systems are leading local research projects aimed at enhancing undersea surveillance, and they are a great, collaborative resource for our members.
• Government Resources: The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is a key government partner in various undersea technology projects.  Members are encouraged to attend DTSG’s Industry Days, similar to UTIC’s innovation events, to learn and see the projects that are underway in this domain.

Return to: Conversations with Ocean and Undersea Tech Leaders