UNIVERSITY of Newcastle researchers will join a cyber security blitz alongside American academics in a blitz to develop trusted autonomous systems.
The Department of Defence announced on Thursday that Hunter researchers will join those from Macquarie University, University of Melbourne and the University of Wisconsin in the $3 million joint project as part of the Next Generation Technologies Fund.
The fund seeks research and development proposals from Australia universities and businesses to support defence capabilities.
Dubbed the Australia-US Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (AUSMURI) program, the latest project aims to develop new systems through "robust and effective teaming of bots and humans".
Chief science engagement and impact division Dr David Kershaw said it would develop local skills and expertise.
"The joint project, led in Australia by the University of Melbourne, will explore how cyber bots can learn and form teams, either amongst themselves or with humans, to counter cyber threats," Dr Kershaw said.
"Improved security through cyber autonomy is critical for Defence's future in highly challenging and adverse environments."
More than $25 million will go to high priority defence projects during the nine years of the AUSMURI program. The next grant will be revealed in mid-2022.
