Dr Borge Bakken is a Researcher affiliated with the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences at The Australian National University. His work focuses on Chinese governance, criminology, and socio-legal systems with particular emphasis on corruption dynamics, criminal justice reforms, and socio-political structures in modern China. He has conducted extensive research on topics including wrongful convictions, rural criminal networks, and institutional corruption mechanisms. Research Interests: Dr Bakken's expertise spans Chinese legal frameworks, socio-political governance, and criminological studies. His work critically examines how social norms intersect with punitive measures in contemporary China, particularly in areas like anti-corruption policies and judicial transparency. Recent studies include analyses of 'criminal villages' and evolving corruption forms within state-owned enterprises. Publications: His 2021 article on corruption in China explores land management and state asset misappropriation. Earlier works address wrongful convictions and the socio-legal challenges in rural crime networks. His research demonstrates a focus on institutional accountability and systemic governance issues. Labs/Teams: Not explicitly mentioned, but his collaborative work with co-author Wang, J. (2021) suggests interdisciplinary engagements within ANU's China studies networks.
Professor Scott Sisson is Director of the UNSW Data Science Hub (uDASH) and Professor of Statistics and Data Science at the University of New South Wales, School of Mathematics and Statistics. His research focuses on computational statistics, particularly solving 'intractable' statistical problems through Bayesian methods, big data techniques, simulation algorithms, and extreme value theory with environmental applications. Education includes a PhD in Statistics from Bristol University (2002), MSc in Environmental Statistics from Lancaster University (1997), and BSc in Mathematics and Statistics from Lancaster University (1996). Research interests span: Bayesian statistics and uncertainty quantification Big data analytics and scalable algorithms Machine learning integration with statistical methods Extreme value modeling for climate/environment Computational techniques for intractable problems Recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on Bayesian computation, spatiotemporal modeling, and interdisciplinary applications in materials science, oncology, quantum computing, transportation policy, and ecology. Methodological innovations include likelihood-free inference, modular Bayesian analyses, and symbolic data modeling. Awards and honors: 2020 Service Award (Statistical Society of Australia) 2017 ARC Future Fellowship 2015 G. N. Alexander Medal (Engineers Australia) 2011 Moran Medal (Australian Academy of Science) 2010 J.G. Russell Award (Australian Academy of Science) 2010 Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellowship As Director of uDASH, he leads data science initiatives across UNSW. He maintains sustained ARC funding and supervises students in computational statistics, Bayesian methods, extreme value theory, and machine learning. Professional service includes editorial roles for Statistics and Computing and past presidency of Statistical Society of Australia.
Marcus Smith is an Associate Professor in Law at the Charles Sturt University , where he teaches LAW222 Technology Law and directs the Bachelor of Laws program. He holds advanced degrees from the Australian National University (PhD, LLM) and the University of Cambridge (MPhil). His research spans technology law and regulation , focusing on genomic data governance biometric identification AI ethics blockchain policy cybersecurity surveillance law He leads the Contemporary Threats to Australian Security research group and serves as Chief Investigator on an NHMRC-funded project (MRF2015531) addressing genomic dataset governance. His recent work analyzes algorithmic bias in facial recognition AI in healthcare blockchain's regulatory challenges post-pandemic cybercrime surveillance ethics data security frameworks He actively supervises PhD and honours students in technology law and contributes to law reform through submissions to international bodies like the UN Human Rights Council .
Professor Philip Birch is a distinguished academic in Criminology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Faculty of Design & Society, School of International Studies & Education. With over 15 years of academic experience across British, American, and Australian university systems, he has established himself as a leading expert in policing, community safety, and criminal justice. His extensive practical background in criminology, including roles as a Specialist Crime Team Manager, Community Safety Research Manager, and Through Care Worker in UK correctional facilities, informs his applied research approach. Professor Birch's educational background includes a BSocSci. (Hons) in Social Policy (Crime & Justice) from the University of Manchester, multiple postgraduate qualifications from the Open University (including an MSc. in Social & Criminological Research Methods), a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice from the University of Huddersfield, and a PhD in Criminology from the University of New South Wales. He also holds a Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy. His research centers on six key areas: Police & Policing; Community Safety & Crime Prevention; Prisons, Probation & Parole Policy & Practice; Assessment, Treatment & Management of Offenders; Gender & sexuality inclusive Domestic and Family Violence; and Sex Work, Sex Workers and Procurement. His work emphasizes the practical application of criminological research to real-world justice issues, with strong industry engagement across law enforcement and correctional services. Recent publications reveal a clear trend toward police mental health, aging in policing, hate crime identification, trauma-informed policing approaches, and digital community safety initiatives. His research employs diverse methodologies including qualitative case studies, Delphi methods, rapid evidence assessments, and comparative analyses across multiple jurisdictions. Teaching award (2019) from Australian College of Educators for outstanding contribution to education Literati Award (2019) for published work Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy Professor Birch has supervised numerous Honours, Masters by Coursework, Masters by Research and PhD students in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Policing, with several completions to date. He has secured over $1.3 million in research funding, including an ARC Linkage grant, and has acted as an external assessor for domestic and international funding bodies. His research projects address critical issues in criminology and policing, often with direct policy implications. He established the Crime & Security Science (CaSS) Research Group at UTS in 2022, a cross-faculty initiative connecting academia with industry to advance evidence-based criminology, criminal justice, policing, and community safety research. This group serves as a hub for collaborative projects addressing contemporary security challenges through translational research.
Professor Ryan Ko is a leading academic in Cyber Security at the University of Queensland (UQ), serving as Chair and Director of the UQ Cyber Research Centre, Director of Research at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and a member of UQ's Academic Board. He holds a BEng (Computer Engineering) and PhD from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research focuses on data provenance, industrial control systems (ICS) security, privacy-preserving technologies, and AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. Ko has pioneered initiatives such as the UQ Cyber Centre, interdisciplinary cybersecurity education programs (MCyber, PGDipCyber), and the Oceania Cybersecurity Challenge. He has attracted over AUD 20 million in competitive grants as lead investigator, including the NZ$12.2M STRATUS project. Ko’s work spans industry and policy, including advisory roles with INTERPOL, governments, and NGOs. He has authored over 100 publications, contributed to ISO standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 21878), and co-founded cybersecurity startups. Awards include Fellowships from the Australian Computer Society and Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the CSA Ron Knode Service Award. Education: Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) (Hons.), Nanyang Technological University (2005) PhD in Computer Science, Nanyang Technological University (2011) Awards: Fellow, Australian Computer Society (2016) Fellow, Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences (2020) Young Professional Award, Singapore Government (2018) Grants & Leadership: AUD 20M+ lead investigator grants; NZ$12.2M STRATUS project (2014–2018) Established UQ Cyber Centre (2019) and NZ’s first cybersecurity graduate program (2012) His research emphasizes returning data control to users, with applications in agriculture, energy, and critical infrastructure. Ko’s contributions include patents, open-source tools (e.g., Kali Linux), and frameworks like TrustCloud for cloud accountability.
Dr. Valerie Cooms is a Research Fellow at the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy within the Australian National University. Her work primarily focuses on quantitative social policy research with specialization in longitudinal studies and Indigenous affairs. She holds leadership roles in major national research initiatives evaluating policy effectiveness. Research Interests: Dr. Cooms' research spans longitudinal data analysis, statistical methodology, Indigenous policy evaluation, criminal justice reform, and social inequality measurement. Her work frequently examines the intersection of evidence-based policy and marginalized communities. Research Trends: Recent outputs demonstrate consistent focus on Indigenous policy assessment, criminal justice system reform, and political analysis of constitutional changes affecting First Nations communities. Her publications blend academic research with public engagement through multimedia formats. Research Projects: Principal Investigator for 'Review of methods for assessing progress towards Closing the Gap' (2023-2026) Co-Investigator for 'Footprints in Time: Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children' (2023-2024) Lead researcher for 'Longitudinal Studies of Indigenous Children Wave 13 Summary Report' (2022-2024) Contributor to 'Monitoring and Accountability Framework' project (2023-2024) Co-Investigator for literature review on women in court systems (2023-2024)
Dr. Matthew Jones is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Swinburne University of Technology’s School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. With a career spanning institutions in the UK and Australia, Matthew’s research bridges interdisciplinary domains including policing, sociology, law, and organizational studies. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, emphasizing evidence-informed pedagogy and curriculum innovation. Affiliation: Swinburne University of Technology (2022–Present) Previous Roles: The Open University (2017–2022), Northumbria University (2014–2017), Cardiff Metropolitan University (2013–2014). Research Themes: Matthew’s work focuses on three core areas: Policing: Police visibility, digital strategies, occupational culture, diversity, and leadership. LGBTQI+ Criminology: Workplace discrimination, hate crimes, community-police relations, and victimology. Digital Criminology: Technology’s role in policing, crime prevention, and digital victim support systems. Publications: His 15 most recent articles highlight evolving trends in digital policing, police visibility, academic standards in policing education, and LGBTQI+ workplace experiences. These works span qualitative studies, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary collaborations, reflecting his commitment to visual criminology and semiotics. Scientific Awards: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2022) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2013) Professional Activities: Matthew served as Chair (2019–2022) and Board Member (2013–2019) of the British Society of Criminology’s Policing Network. He led curriculum development for police apprenticeships (2017–2019) and contributed to the first UK Subject Benchmark Statement for Policing (2022). He supervises PhD students on topics like community policing, child maltreatment resilience, and crime drama narratives. Education: He holds an LLB in Law, an MSc in Social Science Research Methods, a PhD in Socio-Legal Studies, a PGCert in Higher Education pedagogy, and an MBA in Leadership Practice.
Clinton Free is a Professor in the Discipline of Accounting, Governance and Regulation at the University of Sydney Business School. He holds leadership roles such as former Deputy Dean and Head of School, Academic Director of the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), and Deputy Director of the Centre for Law, Markets and Regulation. His research focuses on white-collar crime, corporate governance, management accounting, and auditing. He has received an ARC Future Fellowship and multiple grants, including an ARC Linkage Grant and a major SSHRC grant in Canada. His work spans academic leadership, editorial board roles (e.g., Accounting, Organizations & Society ), and executive education across institutions like Oxford and Queen’s School of Business. Research interests include fraud dynamics, corporate governance reforms, sustainability assurance, and algorithmic management. He has advised private and public sector organizations and won teaching awards for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Clinton’s educational background includes Commerce and Law degrees from UNSW and a doctorate from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Recent publications explore fraud offender narratives, algorithmic labor control (e.g., Uber), climate-related disclosures, and critiques of corporate law reforms. He frequently engages with media, discussing topics like Bunnings’ market dominance, illegal phoenixing, and white-collar crime psychology. Grants: ARC Future Fellowship, ARC Linkage Grant, SSHRC Canada Grant Teaching: EMBA courses on leadership and governance Media Contributions: ABC Four Corners, Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review
Professor Amy Mullens (University of Southern Queensland) is a leading academic in public health, gender studies, and clinical psychology. Her work focuses on sexual and reproductive health, transgender health equity, and healthcare access for marginalized populations, particularly within correctional systems. Key Affiliations : School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions. Research Themes : Intersectional health disparities, HIV/STI prevention, gender-affirming healthcare, and mental health interventions. Research Trends : Recent publications emphasize digital health tools for STI/HIV risk prediction, transgender health policy, and qualitative analyses of incarceration experiences. She frequently collaborates on systematic reviews and mixed-methods studies addressing health equity. Advising : Supervises 16+ doctoral and master’s students (2021-2025) on topics spanning trauma, health literacy, and sexual health interventions.
Professor Marinella Marmo is a leading academic in criminology, human rights, and gendered migration studies at Flinders University's College of Business, Government and Law . She serves as a Professor and contributes to institutions like the Centre for Social Impact and the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies . Education: PhD in Applied Social Science (University of Lancaster, UK), LLB (Honours) (Università di Salerno, Italy). Her research spans international criminal justice , transnational crime , modern slavery , and gendered border control , with work influencing national policies and documentaries. She has secured funding from the Australian Research Council and EU-Australian Government initiatives . Recent publications focus on state-corporate harm and migrant deportation regimes , reflecting her commitment to human rights centred criminology . Awards include the 2023 BGL Team Teaching Award and the 2018 ANZ Society of Criminology Excellence in Teaching Award . She supervises projects on modern slavery , gig economy exploitation , and state crime , aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals like SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work).
Yong-Bin Kang is a Senior Data Science Research Fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society (ADM+S) at Swinburne University of Technology, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. He holds a PhD in AI from Monash University and leads numerous transdisciplinary research projects applying artificial intelligence to address complex societal challenges. Education: PhD in Faculty of IT, Monash University, Australia Dr. Kang's research focuses on Responsible AI and Society, with specific interests in developing Societal-AI platforms that integrate social data with ethical principles. His work spans healthcare, humanitech, education, financial planning, environmental health, and justice domains. He investigates how AI can enhance decision-making processes while promoting societal well-being, with particular attention to ethical implementation and human-centered approaches. His expertise encompasses AI, natural language processing, machine learning, and decision-making optimization. Analysis of Dr. Kang's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward socially responsible AI applications across diverse domains. His work consistently bridges technical AI capabilities with social implications, particularly focusing on ethical frameworks, community-centered design, and addressing societal inequalities through technology. The publications demonstrate increasing collaboration across disciplines including criminology, environmental science, mental health, and education. Dr. Kang is actively involved in significant research funding initiatives, with multiple ongoing projects that address critical societal challenges through AI. His supervision availability includes Doctorate (PhD) candidates, indicating his commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers in AI and data science fields. Current Flagship Areas: Digital Capability Innovative Society Manufacturing Futures Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well Being (SDG 3) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
Professor John Piggott AO FASSA is Scientia Professor of Economics at the University of New South Wales, where he serves as Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR). He has held significant leadership roles at UNSW including three terms as Head of School of Economics, Associate Dean Research for the Business Faculty for 7 years, and Interim Dean of the Faculty. His expertise spans retirement economics, pension systems, and population ageing issues, with particular focus on Asia-Pacific region. His educational background includes: BA from University of Sydney MSc from London School of Economics PhD from University of London Professor Piggott's research focuses on retirement and pension economics, population ageing, and public finance. His work examines pension system designs across different countries, with particular emphasis on emerging Asian economies. He has conducted extensive research on retirement income systems, long-term care financing, and the economic implications of demographic change. His research has significant policy relevance, having informed government reviews and international organizations' work on ageing populations. He has published widely in leading international economics and actuarial academic journals, with recent work analyzing pension reforms in Indonesia, Thailand, and China. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on population ageing in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly examining pension systems and long-term care in emerging economies. His work bridges economics, public policy, and health services research, with increasing attention to the interconnections between demographic change, economic development, and social policy in aging societies. His research has directly influenced policy discussions through participation in the Henry Tax Review and Australian Ministerial Superannuation Advisory Committee. Professor Piggott has received numerous prestigious awards and honors: Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (1992) Scientia Professor at UNSW (2011-present) ARC Australian Professorial Fellow (2011-2015) UNSW Business School's Staff Excellence Global Impact Award (2020) Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) (2020) Professor Piggott has supervised numerous PhD students including Rafal Chomik, Hoang Hoyen, and T Le Trang. He has secured substantial research funding including multiple ARC grants totaling over $27 million for the CEPAR Centre, Japan Economic and Social Research Institute projects, and Rockefeller Foundation support. His research has directly informed policy discussions through participation in the Henry Tax Review and Australian Ministerial Superannuation Advisory Committee, and he was appointed co-chair of the Think20 Task Force on Aging Population during Japan's G20 Presidency. As Director of CEPAR, Professor Piggott leads a major research center focused on population ageing research, bringing together interdisciplinary expertise to address the challenges of aging societies. The center collaborates with international partners including the US National Academy of Medicine and OECD, and has played a key role in establishing the International Pension Research Association. His work has significant real-world impact, with his research on JobKeeper transition proposals during the COVID-19 pandemic receiving widespread media attention.
Susan Hopkins is a Senior Lecturer in Education (Curriculum and Pedagogy) and Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) at the School of Education and Tertiary Access , University of the Sunshine Coast , Queensland, Australia. She earned her PhD from Queensland University of Technology and has also served as a Lecturer in Communication at the University of Southern Queensland. Institution: University of the Sunshine Coast School: School of Education and Tertiary Access Rank: Senior Lecturer Leadership Role: Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) Her research centers on curriculum and pedagogy , with strong interdisciplinary interests in gender studies, media, cultural studies, and feminist theory . She critically examines representations of women, motherhood, sexuality, and power in film and television, often linking popular narratives to broader social and ethical issues such as animal welfare, digital abuse, and environmentalism. Her work frequently appears in public-facing platforms like The Conversation , where she bridges academic insight with accessible commentary. The trends in her recent articles reflect a consistent focus on popular culture as a site of ideological struggle , particularly how gender, power, and identity are constructed and challenged in media. She analyzes genres ranging from horror and documentary to romantic comedy and animated features, often highlighting feminist and postfeminist themes. Her writing reveals a deep engagement with cinematic history, celebrity culture, and the emotional dimensions of storytelling. Susan Hopkins has not been publicly recognized with scientific awards based on available information. She is actively involved in research supervision, consulting, speaking engagements, and media collaborations . Her institutional roles suggest leadership in academic program development and pedagogical innovation. Though no formal lab or research team is mentioned, her public scholarship indicates an influential voice in education and cultural critique.
Professor Abhishek Singh Bhati is the Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO at the Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education. He is a distinguished academic and administrator with a focus on tourism management and scholarship of learning and teaching. His research explores technology-driven tourism transformations, low-carbon tourism, and the alignment of tourism with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bhati’s work also emphasizes tourist behavior, resilience planning, and vandalism management in tourism settings. PhD (Tourism Management), James Cook University, Australia MBA (Marketing Management), Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands Bachelor of Arts (Economics), Bombay University, India Diploma in Adult and Continuous Education, Institute of Adult Learning, Singapore Graduate Certificate in Education (Tertiary Teaching), James Cook University, Singapore His research spans technology’s role in tourism, sustainable development, and educational innovation. Recent publications address energy-economic synergies, AI in tourism, and post-pandemic travel behavior. Bhati has secured grants from organizations like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Australian Government’s Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT). Scientific Honors: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Milind Tiwari is a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Financial Crime at the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, Charles Sturt University. He holds a PhD in Money Laundering from Bond University, a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Manchester, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Christ University. As a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), he brings extensive industry experience from working with Big 4 firms including KPMG, EY, and Deloitte in both India and Australia. Dr. Tiwari's research spans multiple dimensions of financial crime with particular expertise in money laundering detection mechanisms, trade-based money laundering (TBML), food crime as a money laundering typology, and emerging threats in digital spaces including cryptocurrency and the metaverse. His work integrates advanced data analytics, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence to develop innovative approaches to financial crime detection and prevention. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory focusing on increasingly complex intersections of technology and crime, with substantial contributions in 2024-2025 covering metacrime, cryptocurrency exchanges, food crime, and metaverse policing. These works appear in high-impact journals across criminology, finance, and technology disciplines. Dr. Tiwari has received significant recognition for his work, including the Emerald Literati Award and the Vice-chancellor's award for outstanding thesis. He is an active member of professional organizations including the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Association of Certified Anti-money laundering specialists (ACAMS), and Australia and New Zealand Accounting and Finance Association (AFAANZ). As an educator, Dr. Tiwari teaches specialized courses including JST 545 – Money Laundering and JST 549 – White Collar Psychopaths, bringing his practical industry experience and cutting-edge research directly into the classroom. His current research projects focus on TBML (Trade-Based Money Laundering) and CTAS, addressing critical vulnerabilities in the global financial system.
