About the Centre
RMIT University established the Wackett Aerospace Research Centre in 1991 with a vision to be a world leader in aerospace related science and technology research.
Our key areas of research are:
- Aerospace materials and structures
- Avionics systems and through-life support
- Autonomous systems
- Design, certification and manufacturing processes
- Power, energy and propulsion systems.
Our expertise has also been applied to other disciplines including automotive, architecture, and maritime.
Our dedicated team of scientists and engineers adopt a multidisciplinary approach involving others from RMIT’s strong academic community.
We have strong inter-disciplinary links to expertise in the schools of Engineering and Science:
- Aerospace, mechanical and manufacturing engineering
- Mathematical and geospatial sciences and
- Electrical and computer engineering.
The calibre and diversity of this expertise attracts researchers and students from around the world who undertake fellowships, postgraduate studies and internships with the Centre. We welcome postgraduate research candidates interested in aerospace and from other diverse and complementary disciplines.
Our broad capability makes us the partner of choice for a wide range of government, industry organisations and other research institutions. Together, we contribute to improving world-wide knowledge of aerospace technologies.
The Centre honors Sir Lawrence James Wackett, a celebrated Australian Aviation pioneer.
Professor MIchelle Gee is the Centre Director, supported by the Industry Advisory Board.
Mission
Through collaboration and partnership undertake world-leading research in niche aerospace related science and technologies and generate high-quality research outcomes and innovations of economic, environmental and social impacts.
Governance
The Centre resides in RMIT’s School of Engineering.
An industry advisory board comprising senior academics and industry representatives governs our activities. This composition ensures our research remains targeted and continues to meet stakeholder and industry needs.
The board meets twice yearly with the Centre’s leadership team.
Facilities
We are based at Bundoora and have nodes at RMIT's City and Brunswick campuses. As well as a team of 30 staff across the three campuses, our extensive research facilities include a flight dynamics facility and advanced materials manufacturing and testing facilities.
Our industry partners enjoy access to a vast range of equipment including: wind tunnels; airspace and flight simulators; unmanned aircraft; human factors laboratory; vibration diagnostics instrumentation including laser vibrometers; radar signature measurement equipment; and noise cameras.