In 2024, Security & Defence PLuS supported innovative research collaborations between Arizona State University, King’s College London, and UNSW to address critical challenges in security and defence. Through our seed grant program, we funded nine pioneering initiatives, including the trilateral collaboration Hacking Defence Training Simulation Architecture for Military Ethics Learning. This groundbreaking project unites researchers from all three PLuS Alliance universities to explore how simulation technologies can transform military ethics training.
The project co-leads, Associate Professor Deane-Peter Baker, Professor David Whetham, and Assistant Professor Heather Lum, recently published an op-ed in The Conversation Australia discussing their research. Their article highlights the vital role of immersive simulations, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), in preparing soldiers to navigate complex ethical dilemmas under pressure. These advancements could reshape military ethics training, making it more practical, engaging, and effective.
Read the full article: Disaster happens when soldiers don’t act ethically. We can provide better training to support them.
More information on the development of this project, as well as the other seed grant initiatives, will follow soon. Details of the 2025 Security & Defence PLuS Seed Grant Program will also be shared in the coming weeks.