Funding for defence innovation – Australians invited to apply for Fellowship funding

The Spitfire Association is looking for innovators and researchers who will make a significant contribution to the Australian defence research and prototyping landscape. 

Geoff Zuber, President, Spitfire Association said; "We believe that by partnering with leading innovators and researchers across Australia, we can collectively advance the frontiers of defence research and contribute to enhancing national security and global stability."

Applications are now open for the 2025 Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship (SMDF). Applications close at 11pm on Sunday 13 October. Late applications will not be accepted.

What is the opportunity?

The Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship is a prestigious initiative designed to support the development of knowledge and expertise that will enhance the defence of Australia. The 2025 Fellowship award recipient will receive up to $60,000 to drive advances in Australia's sovereign capabilities.

Named in honour of the iconic Spitfire aircraft and the pilots of 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, the Fellowship aims to nurture emerging talent and to deliver a measurable difference to the defence of Australia.

The Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship has funded research into: hypersonics, uncrewed air and sea drones, cybersecurity, and the impacts of physiology on the performance of defence personnel, amongst other innovations.

Application and Fellowship requirements

Australian researchers and innovators are asked to submit applications to this Fellowship by completing the application form located at https://unsw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87dLqKDMB7ymYzI. The Fellowship is awarded annually and the fund is administered through the University of New South Wales.

The recipient of the 2025 Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship must complete the project for which funding is provided by the end of 2025.

Universities and organisations interested in participating in the Fellowship and furthering the work of the Spitfire Association, are invited to contact the President at: president@spitfireassocation.com.

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BACKGROUND

Why the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship was formed

During the Second World War Australian service men and women played a vital role in every theatre of the conflict. The Australians who played such an important role in securing peace in 1945 are among a long line of distinguished Defence Force personnel, as strong today as it was in World War II.

Recognising the need to be ever vigilant, the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship was conceived by pilots of 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The founders included the late AVM Lyndon Compton AO OBE RAAF, the late FLTLT Edward (Ted) Sly DFC, the late FLTLT Peter Watson DFC and the late Lifetime Vice President FLTLT Lysle Roberts; a key committee member until his passing in 2019. Their vision for the Fellowship was as an ongoing living memorial rather than a traditional granite and bronze monument.

Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship benefits

The benefits of being awarded a Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship include:

Funding support: the SMDF provides financial support to exceptional researchers and innovators who demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing key challenges in the defence of Australia.

Visibility and recognition: Fellows receive recognition for their work through various channels, including the Spitfire Association website, social media platforms, and specialised events.

Alumni engagement: Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellows gain access to a vibrant community of researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing defence innovation.

Spitfire Association

https://www.spitfireassociation.com/smdf.php