As SmartSat CRC concludes its activities under the Cooperative Research Centres Program, it also marks the successful completion of one of its most enduring legacies; a national PhD program that has helped develop the next generation of Australia’s space workforce.

Over seven years, SmartSat supported 72 PhD candidates, providing opportunities to undertake industry-connected research while working alongside leading universities, researchers, government agencies and commercial partners. These graduates have not only earned their doctoral qualifications but have also made significant contributions to advancing Australia’s sovereign space capability, with many now building careers across industry, research and government.

Over the past few weeks, SmartSat has celebrated this achievement through a series of Thank You events held across Australia, bringing together PhD alumni, recent graduates and members of the current PhD cohort. The gatherings provided an opportunity to recognise the dedication, resilience and achievements of our research community, while reconnecting with colleagues and celebrating the relationships built throughout the program.

In Western Australia, we proudly acknowledged graduates Benjamin Dix-Matthews, Skevos Karpathakis, Sabrina Slimani and Robert Andriambololonaharisoamalala, and were delighted to connect with current PhD candidates Zhenguyen Chai and Bazarzagd Lkhagvasuren.

In Queensland, we recognised Harikesh and met with current students Than Myint Swe, Raja Ram Aryal, Francesca Devoto, Gillian Rowan and Jason Dail.

In Victoria, we celebrated Francis Karimi Kagai, Thomas Graham, Nermine Hendy, Brandon Victor and Michael Aygur, while reconnecting with current candidates Sai Krishna Reddy Vallapureddy, Ghaith Suleiman Mustafa El-Dalahmeh, Annonya Ghosh, Geekiyanage Deepa Rakshitha De Silva, Alex Nguyen, Nur Fajar Trihantoro and William Lukito.

In New South Wales, we acknowledged Anne Bettens and Kithmini Weththasinghe Arachchige, and connected with current students Sithumini Kankanamge, Yue Luo, Lucas Tsutsui da Silva and Arun T Ravendraan.

Together, these graduates and current candidates represent the depth of talent fostered through the SmartSat PhD program. Their research has contributed directly to Australia’s growing space sector while strengthening the nation’s future capability through innovation, collaboration and technical excellence.

Together, these individuals exemplify academic excellence and make meaningful contributions to the Australian space sector. It was inspiring to share stories, celebrate achievements, and strengthen connections with colleagues and supporters. We warmly congratulate our graduates and look forward to the continued impact of both our alumni and current PhD candidates across Australia and beyond.

On behalf of the entire SmartSat CRC team, it has been a great honour to farewell our amazing alumni with great pride and big smiles, celebrating not only their remarkable achievements but also the journeys we have shared together. These milestones represent years of dedication, growth, and collaboration, and it has been a privilege to witness each candidate’s development into accomplished researchers contributing to Australia’s space sector.

From an Education Portfolio perspective, the success of our PhD candidates is deeply meaningful. Supporting their journey has been both professionally rewarding and personally enriching. Over the years, strong connections have formed-what began as a guidance has evolved into lasting relationships, with many becoming like an extended family. Seeing their success is not only a reflection of their hard work, but also a shared achievement for the program and its community. We celebrate their accomplishments with immense pride and look forward to their continued impact in the years ahead.

Tuul Machlay
Project Officer / PhD Wrangler