Australia sets course for nuclear submarines

The direction for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines has been set with the Federal Government’s announcement that it will purchase US submarines as an interim measure before building UK-designed craft in Adelaide.

The University of Adelaide is ready to help train the workforce and provide research expertise that will be required to help Australia achieve its goal to be a nuclear-powered defence force.

As one of Australia’s leading comprehensive research institutions, ranked in the top 100 in the world, the University is at the forefront of academic defence research nationally.

“A sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability will need engineers and scientists from a range of disciplines,” said Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Adelaide.

"Nuclear physics and chemistry are key, as are mechanical, electrical, and nuclear engineering.

“The University of Adelaide has an outstanding global standing for teaching and research across all major engineering disciplines as well as a strong track record of working closely with industry and government in the development of programs that meet specific needs and will work collaboratively to co-create programs to meet these needs.

“For example, our Master’s in Marine Engineering course, which includes a focus on submarine design and operation, was co-created with industry. This course will be updated with a new focus on nuclear propulsion to address the specific needs of a nuclear submarine capability.”

The University also teaches a postgraduate course in Radiation Management which will adapted to the requirements of the nuclear submarine enterprise.

“The University of Adelaide has an outstanding global standing for teaching and research across all major engineering disciplines as well as a strong track record of working closely with industry and government in the development of programs that meet specific needs and will work collaboratively to co-create programs to meet these needs."Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Adelaide

Students at the University of Adelaide have the opportunity to benefit from practical experience through workplace projects. Courses will equip them with highly sought after knowledge and practical skill, develop and enhance prior expertise, and give them the choice of a wide range of specialist electives and study paths.

The University of Adelaide is respected globally and is uniquely positioned to help lead research with AUKUS partners in industry and academia.

Cooperation will be an integral part of the future submarine program which will bring jobs to South Australia in the coming decades.

Under the AUKUS trilateral security pact announced in September 2021 the US and the UK will assist Australia in building nuclear-powered submarines at Osborne Naval Shipyard, South Australia.