Stephen Cook

Professor Stephen Cook is a Professor of Defence Systems at the University of Adelaide, part of the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His academic role is part-time, alongside consulting and industry engagements. He has extensive experience spanning industry, government (DSTO), and academia, particularly at the University of South Australia, where he led systems engineering initiatives and founded the Defence and Systems Institute.

His research focuses on systems engineering principles, defense systems integration, and AI-intensive systems. Notable contributions include frameworks for capability development, resilience engineering, and model-based systems engineering. He has received prestigious awards such as the Secretary of Defence’s Award and INCOSE Fellow recognition. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to complex systems challenges, particularly in defense, maritime autonomy, and software-intensive systems.

• Awards: Secretary of Defence’s Award, Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Award, INCOSE Fellow, Omega Alpha Association Membership
• Labs/Teams: Involved with the Defence and Systems Institute (UniSA), advisory roles at Shoal Group Pty Ltd, and consulting through Creative Systems Engineering.

His research trends highlight advancements in systems of systems engineering, AI integration, and assurance methodologies for autonomous systems. Current work bridges academic, industrial, and defense sectors to address evolving challenges in capability development and system resilience.