Australia's military announced a new partnership program to enhance research collaboration with universities in the country.

The Defense Science Partnerships program is led by the Defense Science and Technology Organization, or DSTO, and complements DSTO's Industry Alliance program for industry collaboration.

"This program provides a uniform model for universities to engage with Defense on research projects and ensures a consistent approach to intellectual property and cost sharing," said Chief Defense Scientist Dr. Alex Zelinsky.

The Department of Defense said the new program follows consultation with a working group from the University of Adelaide, RMIT, Australian National University, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, Charles Darwin University and the University of Tasmania.

Universities participating will be able to leverage funding from DSTO and other sources, and share research infrastructure.

"Through the partnerships program, we will work with our university partners to also promote careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics ...," Zelinsky said.

"A healthy innovation system can be facilitated by organizations such as DSTO engaging in the university sector to help shape research directions and national capabilities in priority technology areas for end-users."