Visionary leader in AI and Defence awarded Honorary Doctorate

An internationally respected expert in cyber defence is being honoured for his three decades of leadership with a prestigious honorary doctorate from Flinders University.

Dr Dale Lambert PSM FTSE is being recognised for some 30 years at the forefront of defence science, as a visionary leader in driving Artificial Intelligence and automated analysis capabilities that have helped shape the future of his field.

Currently serving as the Chief of Cyber and Electronic Warfare Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group within the Australian Department of Defence, Dale’s career has been spent ensuring that our country’s defences are amongst the best in the world.

In presenting the award, Flinders Chancellor Stephen Gerlach says the honorary doctorate marks Dr Lambert’s incredible service to Australia, and global security.

‘Dale’s stellar reputation saw him contracted to design and implement an Artificial Intelligence System for Sweden’s airborne defence – so successful that it was on-sold to several nations in Europe, Asia and South America.

‘He’s also been at the helm of the Executive Chairs of the Technical Cooperation Program, the largest cooperation on defence science and technology between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

‘And his world-class reputation for higher-level data fusion research has seen him recognised with some of the industry’s highest honours and receive a Public Service Medal in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List,’ Mr Gerlach says.

‘It’s wonderful that Dale’s family – his wife Keetza and their sons, Ashley and Adrian – were able to join him in celebrating this recognition. I’m delighted to say this is a truly Flinders family, as Keetza is also a Flinders graduate with a Bachelor of Science, while Ashley holds both a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours.

‘Dale’s commitment has helped shape the future for the better, and I extend Flinders university’s heartfelt thanks and congratulations in bestowing this distinguished honour,’ Mr Gerlach says.

Seldom awarded, Flinders University Honorary degrees are presented to distinguished members of our community, whose extraordinary service has changed lives.

A full list of Flinders University honorary doctorate recipients can be found here.

/Public Release. View in full here.