Defence to accept 100 PHD interns

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The Hon Christopher Pyne MP

Minister for Defence Industry

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3 October 2017

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced Defence would accept up to 100 of Australia’s top PhD students over four years to work on Defence and national security challenges.

The internships are supported by the Department of Education and Training, through the 'Supporting more women in STEM careers: Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI)—National Research Internship Program'.

Minister Pyne said as part of an agreement with AMSI, the interns would have a 3 – 6 month placement with Defence.

“These internships will provide PhD students with a valuable opportunity to gain experience in Defence while working on programs of national significance,” Minister Pyne said.

“The internship program will focus on students in science, technology, engineering and maths, to help strengthen the talent pipeline for future jobs in Defence science and engineering.

“Australia produces approximately 10,000 higher degree graduates every year.

“Internships such as those under the AMSI program provide those graduates with a valuable career path and better equip them to work in industry,” he said.

Minister Pyne said similar intern programs overseas show excellent collaboration, commercialisation and employment outcomes.

“This is a win for Defence, a win for PhD students and a win for innovation in this country Australia,” he said.

The first PhD interns will be placed in defence teams by the end of 2017.

The agreement was signed by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky and the Director of AMSI, Professor Geoff Prince at the Pacific 2017 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney.

More information about the AMSI intern program is available at: http://amsiintern.org.au/voucher

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