Every two years, the Australian International Avalon Airshow transforms a remote airport into a showground for aviation and engineering excellence. For many, the journey into aviation begins in the classroom. With over 7,000 career day students participating this year, the presence of academia at Avalon is imperative to cover the diverse aspects of aerospace, aviation, and engineering. However, universities are not just there to inspire future professionals—they are also key players in driving innovation, promoting research partnerships, and showcasing engineering advancements.
Why Avalon: The perfect meeting ground
The development of MEMKO product NIFTI (Non-Intrusive Flight Test Instrumentation) and our new capability in Certified 3D Printed Aircraft Interior Parts are the result of purposeful and dedicated investment into academia. With aerospace and defence technologies evolving rapidly, bridging the gap between industry and academia is more important than ever. As an organisation committed to advancing digital innovation in engineering, MEMKO recognise the need to cultivate strong industry-academia relationships. Whether it’s through joint research projects, curriculum integration of industry-standard tools, or hands-on training programs, the airshow provided the perfect backdrop for these discussions.
MEMKO is an engineering and technology company based in Melbourne, Australia. Established in 2007 with its origins in Aerospace, MEMKO’s services now span across multiple industries with a focus on Aerospace and Defence engineering using smart enterprise digital tools across the product life cycle management covering design, systems engineering, digital mock-up, simulation, digital manufacturing and virtual twin. MEMKO is committed to building the workforce of the future, supporting many research and university clients with a combination of industry and market knowledge. MEMKO also delivers training courses for continued education in aviation and aerospace, micro credentials for upskilling in digital manufacturing and official Dassault Systèmes software certification.
Connecting with Academia
Besides the earth-shaking FA18 Super Hornet, a key highlights of my time at Avalon was meeting with educators and university leaders who share a passion for preparing the next generation of engineering professionals.
Key topics of conversation included:
In an industry where precision, efficiency and technological advancements are paramount, ensuring that academic programs align with industry needs is crucial. By fostering these partnerships, we can help equip students with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in the workforce.
Looking Ahead
For Academia, the Avalon Airshow is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, and the future of engineering. MEMKO is committed to working closely with educational institutions, not only to support talent development but also to contribute to the evolution of digital engineering.
And as the skies above Avalon clear, the path forward for deeper collaboration remains wide open.
Raj Burli is an experienced Industry Engagement Manager with years of experience working across academia, government and the private sector. He specialises in translating complex scientific, technological and policy concepts into accessible insights that drive positive change.