Media Release – 8 October 2021
STELLAR LINE-UP OF CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
A stellar line-up of speakers has been assembled for this year’s Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) conference – the 6th Submarine Science, Technology and Engineering Conference (SubSTEC6).
The conference, which has a theme of “Home grown undersea technology: how can Australian academia and industry provide a capability edge?”, will take place in Adelaide one month from today, from 8-10 November, and live streamed for delegates unable to attend in person.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Hon Melissa Price MP, Minister for Defence Industry;
- Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Shadow Minister for Defence;
- Commodore Tom Phillips RAN, Director General Submarines, Royal Australian Navy;
- Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, Australia’s Chief Scientist;
- Mr John Chandler AM CSC CSM, Program Director, Lockheed Martin Australia; and
- Dr David Kershaw, Chief Science Engagement and Impact Division, Defence Science and Technology Group, Department of Defence.
SIA Executive Director, David Nicholls said: “Despite the many challenges because of the coronavirus pandemic, the line-up of speakers for the 2021 SIA conference is as strong as ever.
“Both the Government – through Minister Price – and the Opposition – through Shadow Minister O’Connor – are set to provide more perspectives on Australia’s decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
“Commodore Phillips will provide his second annual ‘state-of-the union’ update about Australia’s submarine program and Chief Scientist Foley will speak about technology innovation and transition in Australia.”
Tickets to the conference are selling quickly, including options to participate in industry and academia site visits in Adelaide alongside the conference.
“Delegates can book for SubSTEC6 with a high degree of confidence about Indo-Pacific’s leading forum on submarines going ahead,” Mr Nicholls said.
“As things stand, in-person attendance in Adelaide will be possible for people who live in South Australia and permitted interstate visitors.
“The conference will go ahead if more pandemic restrictions are imposed, even if it means the entirety of SubSTEC6 takes place online.
“If you register to attend the conference in person, but pandemic restrictions prevent you from doing so, the SIA is prepared to transfer your registration to online participation, should you wish to take up this option.”
To view the full conference program, please visit the SIA website (by clicking here), which is also where delegates can register to attend/participate (please click here).
Defence West is the gold sponsor of SubSTEC6.
