Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2023 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the 10 categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in Research & Development.
In this category, judges were looking for entries that exhibited an outstanding academic or research contribution to Defence-related matters. The finalists in this category demonstrated remarkable influences on the overall advancement of Defence-relevant science and technology, as well as a willingness to mentor or guide others, a record of overcoming personal challenges, or a commitment to advancing Defence-relevant R&D above and beyond their role.
Amanda Lax
Co-founder and Company Secretary
Informatech Pty Ltd
In 2022 Amanda spearheaded the establishment of comprehensive strategic priorities for health research within Defence, marking a first in the department's history. Her pioneering framework will guide the Department’s research initiatives for the next five years. It introduces a transparent, systematic approach to evaluate research proposals and effectively identify and prioritise high-impact research. She unearthed several crucial gaps; for example, she highlighted the limited understanding of a service life's impact on women's health, resulting in the creation of a postdoctoral women's health researcher position.
Carly Geer
Project Manager Project Peregrine
BAE Systems Australia
Carly has led Project Peregrine through design, development, construction and launch of the Strix Uncrewed Aerial System. The outcome in 2022 was the development of a novel concept that meets the customer demands for a strike capability in a UAS, a fixed wing aircraft with four traditional front-facing rotors but with a unique way to take off. Carly’s small, agile and empowered group of employees are focused on speed to capability that will ensure the platform is delivered to future customers faster, with the intention to rapidly complete development and testing, and the first STRIX scheduled to be available in 2026.
Jessica Caston
BAE Systems Australia
Digital Transformation Manager – Maritime
In 2022 Jessica was dedicated to defining a program of work that supports establishment of a digitally enabled shipbuilding environment to improve safety, quality, and performance. Under Jessica’s leadership, the portfolio of executed projects aligned with the Maritime business’ digital shipbuilding vision and digital strategy. The biggest tangible outcome of the digital strategy is a defined program of work to deliver digital shipbuilding that provides the basis for planning, forecasting and mobilisation.
Karen Blackmore
Assistant Dean – Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Deputy President Academic Senate – Teaching & Learning School of Information and Physical Sciences College of Engineering, Science and Environment
University of Newcastle
Karen has championed work integrated learning opportunities that prepare graduates for the Defence and defence industry, raising the profile of career opportunities. Her work consistently aims to enhance the defence industry's capabilities and ensure a robust talent pipeline for the future. Karen's ability to seamlessly integrate her passion for teaching with her industry expertise, bridging the academic-industry divide, is well recognised.
Rachel Horne
General Manager - Law, Regulation and Assurance at Trusted Autonomous Systems
PhD Candidate at Queensland University of Technology, School of Law
Trusted Autonomous Systems
Rachel is directly responsible for a series of world-leading initiatives delivered in 2022 which enable industry to better supply defence with emerging maritime technology via improved current and future regulatory pathways. Rachel combines practical experience and expertise with academic research and writing to achieve this. In 2022 Rachel, supported by her team, delivered the first Australian-centric technical standard for autonomous vessels and collision avoidance operator guidelines. Rachel is the leading expert in her field, providing practical initiatives to support defence capability.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum Canberra on 25 October 2023. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!