Tanya Monro, Chief Defence Scientist at the Department of Defence, shares her insights on Australia's strategic priorities in the evolving defense landscape. She discusses the critical role of scientific innovation, particularly in hypersonics and quantum systems, and the importance of the AUKUS Pillar Two collaboration. Misconceptions about defense research at universities are tackled, as well as the intersection of industry and academia in driving technological advancements. Monro emphasizes the need for education as a key component of national security.