A visual guide to 14 of the drones wreaking havoc in Ukraine, Russia and beyond

Defence

By Peter Layton, Griffith University In the past five years, uncrewed aerial vehicles (drones) have become indispensable in modern warfare. The Russia–Ukraine war has accelerated their ascent: on any given day, there may be hundreds or even thousands of drones operating across the frontlines and behind them. Cheap, mass-produced consumer technology is the foundation for…

Integrating advanced technologies into your manufacturing business

Manufacturing News

Sponsored Modern manufacturers are turning to advanced technologies to accelerate innovation, help them scale and deliver greater productivity whilst becoming more resilient and sustainable. Automation, robotics, faster prototyping, additive manufacturing, IoT sensors, and novel materials all offer new ways of delivering products at lower cost and/or greater quality. However, they also add complexity to your…

The global race is on to secure critical minerals. Why do they matter so much?

Analysis and Commentary

By Amir Razmjou, Edith Cowan University Critical minerals are having a moment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is at the White House to talk up Australia’s rich deposits with President Donald Trump. China, which has a global stranglehold on rare earth elements, recently imposed new export restrictions, much to Trump’s annoyance. It’s clear there’s an era…

If government bailouts of companies are the new normal, we need a better strategic vision

Analysis and Commentary

By John Quiggin, The University of Queensland The federal government’s announcement of a A$600 million rescue package for Glencore’s copper smelting and refining operations in Mount Isa and Townsville marks a definitive shift in Australia’s industry policy. The announcement follows the $2.4 billion rescue of the Whyalla steelworks, and a smaller assistance package for metals…

Nobel chemistry prize awarded for crystal materials that could revolutionise green technology

Analysis and Commentary

By John Griffin, Lancaster University Three scientists have been awarded the 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry for discovering a new form of molecular architecture: crystals that contain large cavities. Susumu Kitagawa from Kyoto University, Japan, Richard Robson from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and Omar M. Yaghi from the University of California, Berkeley, in the…

Snowy 2.0 cost blowouts might be OK if the scheme stored power more cheaply than batteries. But it won’t

Analysis and Commentary

By Bruce Mountain, Victoria University Two years ago, Snowy Hydro announced a reset for its troubled Snowy 2.0 giant pumped hydro project amid cost blowouts. The supposed final cost was A$12 billion. Last week, Snowy Hydro acknowledged this figure was no longer viable after a cost reassessment. I estimate the final cost will be well…