- DSTO Summer Vacation Scholarship Opportunities
- Real Projects, Real Application
- What Former Scholarship Recipients Say
- How to apply
DSTO Scholarship Opportunities
Each year DSTO offers a limited number of scholarships over the University summer vacation period with 60 placements granted last year at four sites across Australia.
The primary objective of the scholarship is to support the education of promising tertiary students by providing them with a means by which they can engage in and gain experience in research during the University summer vacation period. The scholarship aims to provide students with practical experience in a research area relevant to their degree, an insight into future opportunities in their area of research; and an incentive to pursue higher studies and a career in research or academia.
Science and Technology for a Secure World
As part of Australia’s Department of Defence, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) provides science and technology expertise and solutions to support Australia’s defence and national security needs. With a bold and ambitious vision for the future - to be a world leader in Defence science and technology, indispensable in transforming the Australian Defence Force and Australia’s national security, DSTO is looking to recruit Australia’s brightest science and technology graduates to achieve its vision and maintain the Australian Defence Force’s capability edge in the 21st century.
Gain a competitive edge over other science and technology graduates
DSTO Student Scholarships provide the opportunity for motivated science and technology students to apply their university gained knowledge in a high-tech research environment. Students will work with Australia’s leading scientists, engineers, and IT specialists on real-world Defence projects while developing their practical research skills.
The DSTO Difference
World Class Reputation - DSTO is one of the world’s leading Defence science organisations and Australia’s second largest publicly funded science agency.
Work Content - At DSTO, you will work with Australia’s brightest and most innovative scientists, engineers and IT specialists at the forefront of international Defence research. You will have access to leading edge technology and experience a stimulating and dynamic environment fostering innovation and creativity.
Real Projects, Real Application
At DSTO, you will work with Australia's leading scientists, engineers, and IT specialists- using some of the world's most advanced technologies and facilities.
Examples of Previous Scholarship Projects
|
Project Title |
Project Description |
Tasks/Duties Required |
|
Investigation of Passive Jet Flow Deflectors. |
To further the development of activities examining complex flow conditions associated with helicopter operations in ground effect, a detailed investigation of jet flow deflectors is required. |
The student will be expected to firstly complete a survey of all possible sources relating to current uses of jet flow deflectors, either passive or active. A detailed examination of possible shapes and sizes of passive jet flow deflectors is then to be undertaken, and geometries appropriate for application to helicopter rotor systems are to be identified and assessed. |
|
Modelling limitations of attention and perception. |
Visual displays are ubiquitous in defence and are used to convey mission critical information to a wide range of personnel in air, land, and sea operations. To deliver maximum benefits in terms of effectiveness and safety, visual displays need to be optimised to the operators’ perceptual and cognitive abilities. This project aims to investigate and model how bottlenecks in attention and memory affect our ability to perceive changes like those represented in typical military displays. |
Collect human performance data on a range of visual tasks. |
|
Emissivity Optimization to reduce Aircraft IR Signatures. |
The aim of the project is to determine the optimal emissivity of a surface so that it will emit the lowest total (solar reflected & emitted) IR radiation. This information is very important for reducing the IR signature of ADF aircraft. Techniques used to achieve this will most likely include numerical modelling and experimental IR signature measurement. |
Researching information on IR energy, running numerical IR prediction codes, conducting IR signature measurements, analysing results, documenting and presenting the work. |
|
Research on sonar tracking of toothed whales. |
Development and application of passive acoustic analysis methods of detection, classification and localization of toothed whales. |
Algorithm formulation and development. Data analysis. Documentation of methods and results in a scientific report. |
|
Finite Element Analysis of a Rocket Motor Under Vibration Loading. |
The service life of a solid propellant rocket motor is determined by how quickly the propellant ages under various loading conditions. This project is aimed at understanding the impact of the F/A18 wing vibration environment on the service life of an air-to-air missile using finite element analysis. In particular, the project focuses on the response of the propellant, which is a viscoelastic material, to vibration and the attendant stress and strain which occurs in the propellant. |
A combination of FEA modelling, Matlab-based analysis, and stress/strain data analysis. |
|
Imaging and analysis of witness plates from explosive vehicle-born improvised explosive device (VBIED) trials. |
This project aim is to analyse raw fragmentation data from an explosive trial. The student will use image acquisition and image processing techniques to record penetration data from witness plates, as well as statistical analysis to correlate size of dent/opening in witness plate with the fragment dimensions and mass. The results will provide input into a hazards evaluation model for VBIED. A DSTO publication (technical note) co-authored with the DSTO staff is an expected outcome of the project. |
Disassembling witness packs, recording fragments data (size, mass, penetration depth) (2 weeks). Taking images of witness plates from VBIED trials (2 weeks). Processing data from the records and images to determine fragment density at predefined depths of penetration and size of representative dents/openings (3 weeks). Analysing data to find correlation between size of dent/opening in witness plate and fragment mass and size (3 weeks). Presenting the data in form of tables and charts and preparing explanatory text for the publication. |
What Former Scholarship Recipients Say
“The SVS program provided a unique opportunity to experience the transition from university studies to employment. My project provided many challenges, requiring me to develop my skills and knowledge, whilst encouraging me to interact with peers for support and guidance. The work culture was fantastic, providing freedom and flexibility with opportunities to participate in many social and work events. I enjoyed my time at DSTO and would recommend this as a great opportunity for students.”
James Dowley - SVS University of South Australia
“During my time at DSTO I was able to experience what life after uni would be like. I was treated as a graduate, given responsibilities, and I developed a solid set of skills that will give me the edge in the competitive graduate job market. Highlights of my placement include traveling to Darwin to participate in a trial, meeting some amazing people and working on important real world problems.”
James Walker - IEP Swinburne University
“The SVS program is an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and apply their knowledge to Defence applications. The most important aspect which I took from the placement was that open ended, real world problems often don't have well defined goals, and require innovation and initiative to succeed. I would recommend the SVS program to any science or engineering student.”
Vincent Leong - SVS University of New South Wales
“The DSTO Summer Vacation Scholarship Program provided me with a first-hand view of engineering practices within the workplace. I worked with some of DSTO’s brightest scientists and engineers and developed new skills and tools vital to my final year of my Computer Systems Engineering degree. Taking part in the DSTO Summer Vacation Scholarship Program was integral to my Graduate Recruitment application and is one of the main reasons that I secured full-time employment at DSTO.”
Matthew Brincat - SVS University of South Australia
Applications for the 2012/2013 DSTO Summer Vacation Scholarship (SVS) opportunities are open until 27th April 2012.
To be eligible for a SVS placement at DSTO, you must:
- be a full-time tertiary student who will be continuing full-time tertiary studies in the forthcoming year
- have completed 2 years of tertiary study before commencing your project
- be an Australian citizen, and
- successfully undergo a Defence security clearance.
Position Locations
This year, over 60 DSTO Summer Vacation Scholarship opportunities are being offered in Edinburgh (South Australia), Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and HMAS Stirling (Western Australia).
Stipend
Successful applicants will receive a tax-free stipend of $4,428.00 for the duration of their placement.
Citizenship and Security Requirements
Applicants must be Australian citizens and qualify for a Department of Defence security clearance.
How to apply
All applications must be completed on-line. A complete list of available projects is available on our webpage. Applicants should carefully consider the list of available scholarship projects, taking into account the topic, suggested study disciplines and location of the project(s) of interest.
In order to complete the on-line form, we will require the following information:
- personal information including contact telephone number(s), fax and email details if applicable
- detailed information about your academic qualifications and results
- details of any academic, community or other awards
- information about any course-related industry experience placements if applicable
- details of current and past employment, and
- telephone contact details of two referees.
Selection process
Selection is based primarily upon academic merit and the alignment between each student’s course of study and the available projects.
When the application period for the Summer Vacation Scholarship program closes, all applications undergo a selection process. This process can take up to 8 weeks to complete, and includes:
- Initial screening and short listing of applicants. Applicants may be contacted to discuss their applications during this period
- Verbal offers of scholarship placements. Applicants may be contacted by telephone or e-mail during this period
- Mailing of formal scholarship offers. Applicants contacted at this time should receive documentation within two weeks of providing their formal acceptance of the offer.
All applicants will be contacted regarding the success or otherwise of their application.
SVS placements are highly sought after and limited places are available - what will make you stand out from the crowd?
Apply Now
https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/cp/?audiencetypecode=dsto
Further information
For further information and details contact us at: studentscholarship@dsto.defence.gov.au
