University of Surrey collaboration impact

Adelaide University and the University of Surrey share an ambition to harness artificial intelligence for societal benefit through world‑leading research, innovation, and impact. Both institutions are committed to advancing AI technologies and their applications, with Adelaide University’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning and the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI leading the way.  

Key areas of exploration are: 

• Medical AI - leveraging AI for medical image analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy and optimise treatment planning. 
• Robotic and computer vision - developing AI-driven perception systems to enable robust scene understanding, object recognition, and interaction in complex and dynamic environments. 
• Creative technologies - integrating AI with immersive technologies to create more realistic and interactive VR/AR experiences and enhance human-computer interactions. 

Adelaide University and the University of Surrey are advancing collaborative research to contribute to sustainable and impactful space exploration.  

Working across areas such as terahertz communications, circular economy solutions for space, and micro‑credential programs, the partnership brings together complementary strengths from each institution’s national space ecosystem. These include Australia’s Defence Trailblazer initiative and Adelaide University’s Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources, alongside the UK’s Space South Central and the University of Surrey’s expertise in satellite data and mission design. 

Six pillars in the Space theme have been identified to provide a clear framework to jointly pursue activities in the short, medium and long term for research and educational impact.  

• Pillar 1: Australian Rover Challenge 
• Pillar 2: Off-earth construction 
• Pillar 3: On-orbit servicing 
• Pillar 4: Asteroid mining 
• Pillar 5: Space law 
• Pillar 6: Earth observation 

With cyber security emerging as a critical enabler of economic resilience, national security, and technological trust, Adelaide and Surrey are aligned in their ambition to deliver impactful research and practical solutions.  

Adelaide University’s participation in Australia's Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre, together with its collaborations with government and industry, is complemented by the University of Surrey's recognition as an Academic Centre for Excellence in Cyber National Security Research and its leadership through the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security and the Surrey Security Network.  

Key areas of exploration are: 

• Security and space – exploring cybersecurity threats posed to satellites, ground stations, and space communications, cyber security standards, and space communication protocols. 
• Resilience of critical infrastructure - strengthening cyber resilience in critical infrastructure sectors through risk assessment and resilience strategies. 
• AI for security - leveraging AI and machine learning to detect and mitigate cyber threats. 
• Security of AI systems - addressing vulnerabilities in AI systems and developing robust defences for AI models. 
• Cryptography – investigating advanced cryptographic techniques for securing communications, data storage and distributed systems. 

At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to a more sustainable future. 

Adelaide’s Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources and Environment Institute and Surrey’s Institute for Sustainability are leading collaborative efforts to address critical global challenges - from climate resilience and clean energy to sustainable supply chains and circular economy practices. 

Through interdisciplinary research, co-supervision of students, and student exchanges, this theme also empowers the next generation of sustainability leaders.  

Key areas of exploration are: 

• Energy and environment – supporting the transition to cleaner energy and decarbonisation whilst addressing the associated safety, environmental and health challenges. 
• Sustainable production and consumption – creating innovative solutions and strategies that minimise waste, optimise resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts. 
• Sustainable systems – developing analytic and modelling tools for sustainability, informed by research and evidence-based insights. 
• Sustainable and resilient supply chains - restructuring supply chains to manage disruptions and organisational change through digital technologies that support sustainable and circular transitions, strengthening long-term resilience.