DEAKIN University has defended its security protocols in the wake of nanotechnology espionage allegations at CSIRO.
Like CSIRO, Deakin works closely with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation, notably on military body armour and helmets.
Australian Federal Police are reportedly investigating a Chinese national who until last week had been working with the CSIRO’s nanotechnology lab in Melbourne.
Deakin has not been approached by the AFP and pointed to tough protocols associated with its sensitive research.
“Deakin has not been contacted by the AFP,” Deakin spokesperson Sarah Dolan told the Independent.
“I can also confirm that the University has stringent employment, auditing, access and security procedures around its intellectual property and commercially-sensitive research.
“Researchers working on defence-related research projects must have approved defence security clearance, and there are strict physical and IT access regulations enforced in certain defence-related laboratories.”
_ noel.murphy@geelongindependent.com.au
