A Government investment of $1.836 million has been greenlit for APR.Intern industry partner Australian Systems Research (ASR) Defence, following research conducted in part by Australian Postgraduate Research Internship Program (Apr.Intern) PhD researcher Anna Joseph.
The funding was announced in January 2026 by the Australian Government as part of a wider $40 million emerging technologies and artificial intelligence investment. This initiative seeks to futureproof the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) air, land, space, maritime and cyber capabilities. Each allocation backs technologically advanced, innovative solutions in machine reasoning, automated data integration and artificial intelligence.
Decision Advantage
ASR Defence is one of fourteen Australian firms and universities to benefit from the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) program. This program is guided by Decision Advantage capability effect, which outlines Australia’s ability to make better decisions, faster than a potential adversary can. It is one of six key capability effects outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
A total of 123 submissions were received through a call for EDT proposals, reflecting the breadth and depth of Australia’s capabilities in science and technology.
SDR technology
Anna’s research focused on developing software-defined radio (SDR) technology for improving maritime target detection on Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) operating in maritime environments. Her research resulted in a successful outcome in creating a foundational platform demonstrating the feasibility of Software Defined Radio (SDR)-based radar solutions tailored to the unique challenges of maritime environments.
This internship was made possible by the Defence Science Institute (DSI) who provided a cash subsidy to help cover the cost of hosting Anna at ASR Defence.
High return
Speaking on the announcement, APR.Intern National Program Manager Glen Sheldon said ASR Defence’s success story is proof that firms can achieve a high return from a PhD intern. “Our applicants are driven, boasting deep knowledge of their research area; they also offer a fresh perspective which can prove transformative for a firm’s output.”
Dr Len Sciacca Co-Founder and CEO of ASR Defence added, “Software Defined Radar and Electronic Warfare is an emerging capability and Anna’s work during her internship is helping us forge a way into this new software-defined world.”
Engagement manager at the Defence Science Institute (DFI), Craig Butler, said, “APR.Intern’s ability to provide an opportunity for Anna to participate in the development of a highly innovative technology at the early stage of its life is something few PhD researchers get, then to go on and find employment in an adjacent industry is a great win for the country’s sovereign capability.”
Adding to Dr Sciacca’s comments, a proud Anna Joseph said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research… The support and mentorship received were invaluable in navigating technical challenges and expanding my professional capabilities.”
