Leading researchers, industry partners and defence specialists are preparing for the 2026 Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit.

The third iteration of the summit, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from August 4 to 6, will focus on collaboration, accelerating capability and shaping future Defence innovation.

ADSTAR has become a meeting point for those working across Defence’s innovation, science and technology (IS&T) ecosystem, as well as those looking to enter it. Attendees will examine how research, partnerships and emerging technology can contribute to Defence’s long-term capability needs and Australia’s resilience.

Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro, who will host the event, said ADSTAR brought different parts of the IS&T ecosystem together.

“ADSTAR 2026 is your gateway for collaboration and impact,” Professor Monro said.

“The summit brings together Defence’s top priorities with the brightest minds – and in doing so, creates the future.”

ADSTAR 2026 will explore 'The Art of the Possible' – how creativity, collaboration and scientific excellence can be harnessed to anticipate threats, seize opportunities and deliver impact where it matters most. 

Under the theme ‘Delivering More, Together’, ADSTAR 2026 will explore the four strategic lines of effort from the IS&T Strategy: ‘Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage – Delivering More, Together’.  

'When we bring our collective expertise together, we help to accelerate asymmetric advantage that will keep Australia secure – not just for today, but for the decades ahead.'

Professor Monro said the summit played a critical role in shaping capability pathways for Defence.

“The summit will be the platform for the launch of the biennial IS&T Strategy refresh and our priorities, aligning with the biennial NDS cycle. Sessions will explore how research can remain closely aligned to Defence priorities so promising work has a clear pathway to impact,” she said.

“ADSTAR is one of the few spaces where researchers, industry, international partners and Defence operators can come together from across the ecosystem to test concepts, challenge assumptions and build momentum together.

“Discussions will look at how Defence can better anticipate emerging threats and opportunities, strengthen its approach to experimentation and build a more integrated IS&T ecosystem.”

Keynote addresses, panel discussions, demonstrations, e-posters, workshops and exhibitions will connect early-stage research with Defence’s operational priorities and real-world outcomes. More than 100 researchers are expected to present their work, offering insights from across a range of science-and-technology fields.

Professor Monro said she was looking forward to welcoming delegates to Adelaide.

“ADSTAR is about shaping the future we need,” she said. 

“When we bring our collective expertise together, we help to accelerate asymmetric advantage that will keep Australia secure – not just for today, but for the decades ahead.”

Further Summit information is available on the ADSTAR website. Early bird registration is now open. Abstract submissions close April 10.