Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre
A recognised leader in innovation and research and development, the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre (SLWDAC) brings together interdisciplinary research expertise to help transform and strengthen the security and resilience of Australia’s Defence and Aerospace sectors.
We have expertise in every stage of product development from concept, design and testing, to policy, and implementation. Through our commitment to industry best practice and transdisciplinary collaboration we are supporting the growth of Australia’s tech economy.
The calibre and diversity of this expertise attracts researchers and students from around the world who undertake fellowships, postgraduate studies and internships with the Centre. We welcome postgraduate research candidates from diverse disciplines.
The SLWDAC was established in 1991 with responsibility for research, consultancy and continuing education programs in aerospace, aviation and related disciplines.
Named after Sir Lawrence Wackett, who is widely regarded as "the father of the Australian aircraft industry", the Wackett Aerospace Centre aims to create, through research and design, and in partnership with industry, new intellectual property for commercial use and development.
RMIT has been a partner of Australia’s defence sector for 100 years. The Working Man’s College provided vocational training for more than 1,500 returned servicemen between 1917-1919.
RMIT contributed to the war effort between 1939 -1945 training more than 20,000 servicemen and women in communications and 2,000 in munitions production. It was partly due to RMIT’s service to defence that saw Queen Elizabeth II award royal patronage to RMIT in 1954.
The Centre honours Sir Lawrence James Wackett, a celebrated Australian aviation pioneer.
For 100 years RMIT has partnered with the Defence sector. Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre @ RMIT, a trusted partner in building Australia's Defence and Aerospace capabilities.
© 2023 RMIT University
ABN 49 781 030 034
CRICOS: 00122A RTO: 3046
Contact us to explore the opportunities to partner with RMIT.
Email: defence&aerospace@rmit.edu.au
LinkedIn: defenceaerospaceRMIT
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.