Redefining Security: Navigating the Future of AI, Robotics & Autonomous Systems
November 11 - 12, 2025
| UCX, Canberra University
Mel McDowall
Director DAIRNet
Dr Mel McDowall is the Director of the Defence AI Research Network (DAIRNet), an initiative of the Australian Department of Defence and hosted by the University of South Australia.
Mel brings a uniquely diverse background spanning clinical, agricultural, and Defence sectors, with expertise across the full technology readiness lifecycle—from “bench to bedside,” “bench to farm-gate,” and “concept to capability.” Her career has encompassed foundational and applied research, operational governance, business improvement, contract management, clinical support, and stakeholder engagement.
At DAIRNet, Mel leads a national effort to connect researchers, industry, and Defence through a collaborative co-design and co-creation model. Under her leadership, the network acts as a national concierge and facilitator, accelerating the development and adoption of AI solutions that meet Defence’s evolving needs.
Mel is a strong advocate for contemporary, strategic models of research leadership, blending academic knowledge with innovation, business acumen, and purposeful collaboration. Guided by the principle “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” she is passionate about enabling diverse, multi-disciplinary teams and building ecosystems that deliver real-world impact. She is also involved in mentoring emerging scientific leaders through the IMNIS program and a strong advocate for women in STEM.
She holds a PhD (Medicine) and a MBA from the University of Adelaide.
When not building networks or shaping strategy, Mel is the concierge of the McDowall household, including two towering teenage sons and a diva Golden Retriever named Alfie. She is also an aspiring powerlifter and starts most days lifting heavy things.
Tuesday, 11th November | Conference Day One
8:50 AM Chair’s Opening Remarks
9:30 AM Panel Discussion | Smart Scale: Delivering Affordable Mass with Autonomous Systems
- Assessing vulnerabilities in Australia’s northern approaches and critical infrastructure.
- The proven capacity of AI-enabled capabilities and how to move beyond pilots to integrated, enduring solutions.
- Using autonomous systems to achieve scale, redundancy, and persistent presence without unsustainable cost.Designing human–machine systems where humans remain central but are enabled by AI to act faster and with greater effect.
- Balancing international partnerships with sovereign control over mission-critical systems and decision logic.
- Where Australia should focus—doctrine, procurement, or partnerships—to accelerate real-world AI capability in the next 2–3 years.
11:15 AM Panel Discussion – Barriers to Entry for Emerging Technology
• Capability Development at Pace: How do different sectors balance innovation with procurement, regulation, and integration timelines?
• Operational Interoperability: How can military and civilian agencies ensure autonomous systems work seamlessly across domains and jurisdictions?
• Data, Trust & Decision-Making: How do we manage data flow and decision-making in environments where AI plays a critical operational role?
• Beyond Silos: Aligning Defence, Law Enforcement and Academia in the Robotics Era
2:00 PM Human-Machine Teaming in Combat
- Balance between autonomy and human oversight.
- Ethical and doctrinal implications of semi-autonomous weapon systems.
- Training soldiers to work with intelligent machines.
3:15 PM Panel Discussion | Navigating Supply Chain Risk in a Volatile World
- Critical Vulnerabilities: Risks in sensors, AI, and hardware for defence systems.
- Global Disruptions: Lessons from COVID, chip shortages, and geopolitical tensions.
- Cross-Sector Alerts: Real-time intelligence for energy, transport, law enforcement, and defence.
- Battlefield Innovation: Trojan drones in Ukraine and the evolving threat to Russian infrastructure
- Resilience & Partnerships: Aligning policy, collaboration, and sovereign control.
Wednesday, 12th November | Conference Day Two
9:20 AM Chair's Opening Remarks
1:30 PM Panel Discussion | Ethical AI & Regulatory Frameworks
- The ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in defence and security operations.
- The creation of international and domestic regulatory frameworks to govern the use of AI and autonomous systems in military applications.
- The role of export controls and governance in ensuring responsible AI development.
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Mel.
Download The Latest Agenda
