“It was a privilege to host this event, bringing together industry professionals and researchers for an engaging afternoon of collaboration and knowledge sharing.”—FLEET COO/event MC Dr Tich-Lam Nguyen
An audience of around 90 gathered for the Meet FLEET event at UNSW earlier this month, comprising researchers, industry representatives and others.
A major aim of the event was to serve as a bridge, fostering connections while providing industry professionals and researchers the opportunity to delve into collaborative research and development programs.
Meet FLEET also showcased the Centre’s research capabilities in the realms of quantum and electronic materials and systems, including quantum optics, semiconductor and superconducting devices, sensing, AI, high-tech/deep-tech materials and computing software/hardware of innovative electronics technologies.
“Both panel discussions were helpful in understanding the key challenges to achieve collaboration between industry and academia”—attendee
FLEET organised the event to foster academia-industry partnerships and provide pathways to explore joint research and development programs, new product innovation and collaborative intellectual property generation.
Over the course of two engaging panel discussions, the audience were privy to a selection of successful collaborations between academia and industry, witnessing their profound impact not only on the advancement of research and development within their respective fields but also on the broader society. The two panels were:
Innovation agents, those who work at the interface of research and commercialisation, creating links and enabling translation efforts This panel brings together key enablers of industry-academia collaborations, including university and government agency representatives.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Prof Dane McCamey, representing UNSW Sydney as our host, and to Monash University for their generous support in making this event a reality”—Tich-Lam Nguyen
- Hugh Durrant-Whyte NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer
- Julie Wheway AusIndustry Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Fiona Broussard Monash University
- Laura Droessler-Dansie UNSW
Science-in-industry veterans, those who have navigated the complex landscape of academia-industry collaboration, providing valuable insights gained from their experiences, sharing lessons learned from academia-industry partnerships, the inherent opportunities, and the barriers that often accompany such engagements.
- Biliana Rajevic Quantum Brilliance
- Andrew Dzurak Diraq
- Alan Kobussen Rio Tinto
- Chris Vale CSIRO
“I gained valuable insights into the operations of the business sector, including their appreciation for the contributions of scientists”—academic attendee
“We commend our panellists’ openness in generously sharing their knowledge and experiences,” says Tich-Lam Nguyen.
The two panels addressed barriers that can hinder research-industry collaborations, including disparities in culture, timelines, and expectations, and explored resources and government/academia solutions available to bridge such challenges.
“The dialogue ventured into strategies that both academia and industry can embrace to maintain agility and responsiveness in the ever-evolving quantum landscape,” says FLEET Deputy Director Prof Alex Hamilton (UNSW).
“The panel discussions also cast a spotlight on the most-promising domains within quantum applications, including quantum sensing, quantum chemistry, automation, and quantum communication”—FLEET Deputy Director Alex Hamilton (UNSW)
“We hope that the conversations ignited at Meet FLEET will continue to flourish, eventually culminating in partnerships that will significantly shape the future of technology and research,” says FLEET Director Prof Michael Fuhrer.
“As the Centre’s first major industry-researcher introduction event of this type engagement, Meet FLEET was a huge success,” says Tich-Lam Nguyen. “Let’s keep the conversation going and nurture partnerships that will shape the future of tech and research.”
“I found the poster sessions enjoyable, being able to engage with the researchers and find out more information about their research”—industry attendee
“The networking event was exciting as I could meet various FLEET members in-person and build a working relationship. I made new connections with some of the industry people who were present.”
“The poster presentations gave me the chance to interact with the researchers on a more informal basis than is possible during a talk or presentation. Just sad I didn’t get to speak with everyone!”