Andrew Meares

Professor Andrew Meares is Deputy Director of the ANU School of Cybernetics and a Professor leading the Cybernetic Futures research group. He transitioned from a 30-year career as a Walkley Award-winning photojournalist at the Sydney Morning Herald, covering political, environmental, and conflict-related events. His academic roles include Master course and program convenor, Education Experience lead, and Design lead at ANU since 2019. He has held leadership positions such as President of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery (2015-2017) and Senior Adviser to the Leader of the Opposition (2017-2019).

His research focuses on cybernetic futures, technological transitions, and historical systems like Australia’s Overland Telegraph Line. He co-leads a project analyzing pre-historic cybernetic systems as models for AI and robotics. Notable outputs include the exhibition Australian Cybernetic: A Point Through Time (2022) and its companion book (2024), alongside publications on telegraphy, leadership models, and digital media evolution.

Awards: Walkley Award for photojournalism. He is a co-investigator in interdisciplinary projects blending archaeology, robotics, and AI. His educational initiatives emphasize cybernetic imagination through residency programs and design-led pedagogy.