Ms Jackson will also meet with university sector leaders to discuss research and national security partnerships.

“AUKUS is the one of the biggest industrial challenges in our history,” Ms Jackson said.

“Universities have a major role to play in developing the capability needed to deliver the project, including through the provision of skilled workers and world-class research and development.

“We are focused on upskilling the current workforce and training the next generation to support Australia’s national security.

“We’ve already had close discussions with our government and AUKUS partner governments about how universities can help. We’re in Washington this week to turn those ideas into reality.

“Universities have previously called for defence internships to boost the flow of skilled workers needed for projects like AUKUS and we’re looking forward to exploring this option further.”

Ms Jackson will meet with national security officials from the U.S. Department of State as well as representatives from the National Science Foundation.

Key meetings with higher education groups from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and New Zealand will also be held.

“Australia has almost 10,000 formal partnerships with universities around the world, which are so important to the social and economic advancement of all nations,” Ms Jackson said.

“Deeper collaborations with our global peers will only serve us well as we enter a period in which universities will play a greater role in preparing us for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”