Deakin Defence Conference

Advancing Defence Capabilities Through Asymmetric

Technologies and Human Factor Research

Call for Abstracts

The Call for Abstracts is now open. Submissions aligning with the conference theme - “Advancing Defence Capabilities Through Asymmetric Technologies and Human Factors Research”- will receive priority consideration. Papers highlighting AI-driven technologies, autonomous systems, cyber innovation, human performance, and cross disciplinary collaboration are particularly welcomed for their potential to advance operational capability and strategic advantage. Abstracts that fail to articulate Defence relevance and practical implications, or are not of sufficient quality, are unlikely to be accepted.

The Scientific Committee will consider submissions describing theoretical, experimental, computational, and applied research, as well as discussion or position papers relevant to Defence capability development. Where applicable, quantitative analyses, algorithmic methods, or system evaluations should be described in sufficient detail to enable assessment of their validity and reproducibility. This does not preclude the presentation of exploratory work, pilot studies, or concept demonstrations, particularly those offering novel insights into the integration of technology and human capability within Defence contexts.


Abstracts Should:

  • Clearly demonstrate Defence relevance and alignment with operational priorities
  • Highlight practical implications, real-world applications, or innovation potential
  • Be well-structured and aligned with the conference theme


Evaluation Criteria:

  • Defence Relevance: How does this research inform or support Defence strategy or practice?
  • Practical Implications: What outcomes, tools, or capabilities might result
  • Quality: Is the abstract robust, well-articulated, and thematically relevant
  • Abstracts lacking relevance or clarity are unlikely to be accepted.


Presentation Formats:

  • Short oral presentations (~10 minutes)
  • Printed posters
  • 2-minute poster pitches (optional)
  • Select contributors may be invited for extended talks, at the discretion of the Scientific Committee

Key Themes

Defence Operational Domains

  • Cyber and Information Systems: Digital resilience and AI-driven threat detection
  • Space Operations: Intelligence, space domain awareness, contested environments
  • Maritime Defence: Naval autonomy, underwater systems, maritime situational awareness
  • Land Warfare: Combat robotics, soldier tech, autonomous ground vehicles
  • Air Combat and Support: UAVs, precision targeting, unmanned aerial systems


Technological Innovations

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Decision support, real-time analytics, autonomous operations
  • Autonomous Systems & Robotics: Swarm intelligence, drone teaming, robotic logistics
  • Extended Reality (XR): Immersive training, mission rehearsal, situational simulation

Human Performance and Resilience

  • Cognitive Enhancement: Optimising performance in high-pressure scenarios
  • Human-Machine Teaming: Adaptive interfaces and collaborative autonomy
  • Training and Education: Next-gen learning for defence personnel
  • Psychological Resilience: Mental readiness and emotional stability in operations

Ethics, Policy, and Methodologies

  • Ethical AI: Accountability, trust, and human oversight in defence AI
  • Defence Policy and Strategy: Governance frameworks and responsible innovation
  • Simulation and Modelling: AI-enhanced wargaming and operational planning
  • Interdisciplinary Approaches: Multi-domain research collaboration
  • Measurement and Metrics: Standards for impact and reliability in innovation