The Institute comprises four universities: the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, Flinders University and Cranfield University. Together these universities provide a unique academic capability, with over 50% of courses delivered at post-graduate level across a range of important subject areas in defence and security, medicine and public health, engineering, the social sciences, management and leadership, climate change and sustainability, international disaster management, environmental studies and enabling disciplines.

The work of the Institute is coordinated by a Director and small support team. Facilities are available for meetings, workshops and short courses in the Torrens Building, and it is planned to establish a library and resource centre with a team of subject matter experts and post-doctorate interns working on operational support projects. The main research effort and post-graduate teaching will be conducted on the campuses of the founding partner universities.