CBR Sensing Systems

An effective response to a Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) threat is dependent on rapid and accurate hazard detection.

Through key collaborations with researchers and industry partners across Australia and benefitting from close collaboration with our partners at the Operating in Contested Environments (OCE) STaR Shot within DSTG, HSSA’s CBR Sensing Systems Program is driving the development of technologies that alert personnel to threats in condensed timeframes and using novel mechanisms. Application of these sensing systems will support rapid decision making and allow more time for the establishment of interventions including medical countermeasures, to better protect first responders in defence, health and other primary industries.

HSSA’s Collaborative R&D Projects in CBR Sensing Systems include: 

• Advancing Point-of-Use, rugged sensors for harsh environments 
  Developing a low-burden device capable of detecting dangerous biological pathogens within the environment, quickly and reliably in the field.

• Supporting early-warning health monitors
  Producing and analysing key immune and physiological data to underpin the development of wearable sensors that pick up subtle biological changes in the body before symptoms appear, giving responders a head start in managing exposure.

• Developing and testing connected detection networks
  Fielding integrated systems that record, share and connect sensor data to support rapid, coordinated decision-making.

Why This Work Matters

Outcomes from this program will:

• enable rapid and accurate detection of threats in austere environments, without expert assistance, and
• support fast and informed medical and emergency interventions, to
• ensure both personal and population-wide protection.

Dual Use. Shared Benefits.

Our collaborative approach ensures the advancement of sector-relevant innovations that operate in the toughest conditions. With a deliberate dual-use approach, these technologies can deliver tangible protection for military personnel, civilian first responders, and the communities they serve.

Supporting Australia’s Future Workforce

Lysander Miller, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, supported by Defence Science Technology Group and HSSA, is integrating a radiation detector with a drone to detect and map radioactive sources in the environment. By the end of his PhD, he aims to have the drone operate autonomously, allowing surveillance of radioactivity without exposing personnel. Click here to learn more.

 HSSA is always looking to connect with innovators across the research, industry and government sectors who want to make a real impact on Australia’s national health security.

To explore opportunities to collaborate with us, please contact: hssa.enquiries@dmtc.com.au