Michael Dezuanni

Professor Michael Dezuanni is a leading academic at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he serves as a Professor in the School of Communication within the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice. He is the Program Leader for 'Creating Better Digital Futures' at QUT's Digital Media Research Centre, which produces world-leading research for a creative, inclusive and fair digital media environment. Additionally, he is a chief investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.

Professor Dezuanni holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Queensland University of Technology and a Master of Letters from Central Queensland University. His academic journey has positioned him as a key figure in digital media education and research in Australia.

His research focuses on digital media, literacies and learning in home, school and community contexts, with particular emphasis on digital inclusion, media literacy education, and the use of digital games in educational settings. Professor Dezuanni has been instrumental in shaping national curriculum development, particularly in Media Arts for the Australian National Curriculum. His work bridges the gap between academic research and practical implementation in educational settings, making significant contributions to how digital media is understood and utilized in learning environments.

Professor Dezuanni's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on children's digital experiences, reading practices in digital environments, and digital inclusion challenges, particularly for low-income and rural communities. His research shows a consistent trajectory toward understanding how digital technologies can be leveraged to create more equitable and enriching learning experiences for diverse populations.

His significant contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and appointments:

• Honorary life member of Australian Teachers of Media, Queensland (2015)
• Member of Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance governance and strategy committee (2019-2020)
• Member of the advisory committee for Alannah & Madeline Foundation (2018)
• Lead writer for Queensland report for Australian Digital Inclusion Index (2017)
• Member of The Smith Family's Digital Futures for Families and Students Expert Advisory Group (2016-2020)
• Invited to Minecraft in Education Summit (2015-2016)
• Member of Expert Advisory group for Film, Television and New Media Syllabus (2016)
• Contributor to UNESCO's "Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines" (2011)
• Expert advisor for Media Arts for Australian National Curriculum (2010-2015)

Professor Dezuanni has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students, with recent completions focusing on digital inclusion, media ecologies, and digital media practices among diverse populations. He has secured significant research funding through seven ARC Linkage projects addressing digital literacy and learning, digital inclusion in regional and rural Australia, and the use of screen content in formal and informal learning. His research projects often involve collaboration with government bodies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to ensure real-world impact.

As part of QUT's Digital Media Research Centre and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Professor Dezuanni works within interdisciplinary teams focused on creating evidence-based solutions for the challenges and opportunities presented by digital media in contemporary society. His work particularly emphasizes creating inclusive digital futures where technology serves diverse communities and enhances educational opportunities.