National Security Science and Technology Branch
About | Research & Development Requirements | Research Support for Counter-Terrorism | International Engagement | 2008-09 CBR Research Funding | Links
About the National Security Science and Technology Branch
The National Security Science and Technology (NSST) Branch within the Office of National Security provides a national focus for research and development aimed at enhancing Australia's national security capabilities, facilitating international collaboration and supplying scientific and technological input into national security policy issues and initiatives.
The NSST Branch carries out these roles through a number of means, including:
- The provision of a strategic view of Australian national security research and development requirements in the short, medium and long term;
- The promulgation of these requirements amongst research providers in partnership with national security agencies;
- The management of the Research Support for Counter-Terrorism (RSCT) program.
- The provision of secretariat and policy support to the Publicly-funded Agencies Collaborative Counter-Terrorism (PACCT) program;
- The development and management of international collaborative linkages and programs to enhance research in national security-related fields; and
- The provision of expert policy and technical advice on scientific and technological aspects of national security issues.
Engagement with the research community
The NSST Branch seeks to foster and encourage collaboration between national security agencies, publicly-funded research agencies, universities, the private sector and international partners. This is achieved through:
- The NSST Branch gaining an understanding of the expertise, capabilities and innovative approaches available within the research community;
- The communication of requirements to the research community
- The establishment of collaborative linkages for either individual projects or longer-term cooperative endeavours; and
- The provision of co-funding to enable collaboration on high-priority projects.
The NSST Branch interacts with research providers through the RSCT, PACCT and international programs, and by undertaking audits or surveys of research activities, conducting workshops, presenting at conferences and engaging with peak provider bodies and research funding agencies such as the Research Network for a Secure Australia and the Australian Research Council.
The NSST Branch does not buy, acquire, or advise on the acquisition of, equipment for national security agencies. It is therefore not possible for a provider to claim or imply endorsement from the NSST Branch.
Due to the maturation of national security agencies’ capability acquisition processes, the NSST Branch no longer operates the National Security Science and Technology Capability Registration process. Any information regarding developed capabilities or solutions should be directed to the relevant agency.
Further information and contact details
Further information on the NSST Branch is available on this website or by contacting the NSST Branch via the following methods:
Email - nsst@pmc.gov.au
Telephone - (02) 6271 5134
Fax - (02) 6271 5442
Top