UAH Greenway + AUKUS

2024 AUKUS Industry Forum

October 28, 2024

On October 28, The University of Alabama in Huntsville will host a first-of-its-kind industry forum connecting Administration officials and lawmakers with local companies and industry representatives. Together, we will explore the difference AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., will make to the defense industrial base right here in Alabama.

AUKUS is aimed at strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. While Pillar I of AUKUS is focused on supporting Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, Pillar II aims to deliver a range of advanced capabilities to the warfighter driven by the unprecedented integration of the innovation and industrial bases of all three nations.

Industry engagement is critical to ensure that implementation delivers at the pace of relevance. This forum will be an opportunity to learn more about how DoD is focusing on the development and delivery of advanced capabilities, the State Department's export control reforms to support closer collaboration with Australia and the UK, and how industry can play a role in this important initiative.

 


Registration is closed.

Invited Organizations

FREE
Limit two registrants per organization.


Agenda

10:30-11:00: Registration & Coffee
11:00-12:30: Remarks

  • Introduction, Simon Joenler, Office of Rep. Robert B. Aderholt, MLA
  • Welcome, President, Dr. Charles "Chuck" Karr, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Remarks, Congressman Robert B. Aderholt (AL-04)
  • AUKUS Presentation and Panel, Brian Burton, Moderator, Senior Advisor, International & Industry Engagement, OUSD(A&S), DOD
    • Panel: Abigail Desjardins, Dr. Peter Highnam, Dr. Philip Kao, Damon Smith
  • Remarks, Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05)

12:30-13:00: Q&A, Brian Burton, Moderator
13:00-13:30: Networking & Refreshments
13:30-14:30: Breakout discussions: DOD, DOS, DIU


Speakers

  • Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04)
  • Brian Burton, Senior Advisor, International & Industry Engagement, OUSD (A&S), Department of Defense
  • Abigail Desjardins, Defense Innovation Unit, Dep. Dir. for Global Partnerships, Department of Defense
  • Dr. Peter Highnam, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, OUSD (R&E), Department of Defense
  • Dr. Philip Kao, State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (Regional Security and Arms Transfers Office), Foreign Affairs Officer
  • Damon Smith, Foreign Affairs Officer, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, Department of State
  • Rep. Dale Strong (AL-05)
  • Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) tentative

 

Rep. Robert Aderholt

AL-04, House Committee on Appropriations

Brian Burton

Brian Burton

Senior Advisor, International & Industry Engagement, OUSD (A&S), Department of Defense (DOD)

Abigail Desjardins

Abigail Desjardins

Venture Portfolio Director, National Security Innovation Network Deputy Chief, Global Partnerships, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

Peter Highnan

Peter Highnam, Ph.D.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, OUSD (R&E), Department of Defense (DOD)

Philip Kao

Philip Kao, Ph.D.

State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (Regional Security and Arms Transfers Office), Foreign Affairs Officer

Damon Smith

Damon Smith

Foreign Affairs Officer, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, Department of State

Dale Strong

Rep. Dale Strong

AL-05, House Armed Services Committee



Venue + Location

I2C - Invention to Innovation Center

All Forum Events

October 28

I2C - Invention to Innovation Center
850 Ben Graves Dr NW
Huntsville, AL 35899

Parking

Use Lot G5

Directions


Questions?

Please email opce@uah.edu for additional information.