Craig Jin is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, leading the CARlab (Computing and Audio Research Laboratory) and Spatial Audio Research initiatives within the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds a BS from Stanford University, an MS from Caltech, and a PhD from the University of Sydney. His work focuses on immersive audio technologies, biomedical signal processing, and assistive technologies for sensory augmentation. Research interests include spatial audio reproduction, binaural processing, acoustic sensing for accessibility, and machine learning applications in signal processing. Key contributions span HRTF interpolation, noise reduction algorithms, and acoustic touch systems for the visually impaired. Recent projects include real-time MRI analysis of vocal tract dynamics and sparse recovery techniques for sound field reconstruction. His publications span over 150 peer-reviewed articles in journals like IEEE Transactions on Audio, Speech, and Language Processing, and conferences such as ICASSP. He advises four current PhD/Master’s students on projects like predictive gesture tracking, voice disorder classification, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.
Roberto Togneri is a Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia's School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. He has been affiliated with the university since 1988, following his PhD in 1989. His research focuses on signal processing, speech recognition, machine learning, and biometrics, with notable contributions to audio-visual recognition systems and fraud detection. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering (University of Western Australia, 1989). Research interests include feature extraction for audio signals, neural network models for speech and speaker recognition, and applications of machine learning to fraud prevention. His work has been recognized with awards such as the Education Innovation Award (ICASSP 2019) and grants from the Australian Research Council (e.g., DP110103336 for a 3D Audio-Visual Speech Recognition System). Key projects include developing robust speech recognition systems in adverse environments and advancing graph-based fraudster group detection using spatio-temporal data. He has also contributed to editorial roles in IEEE Signal Processing Magazine and authored over 214 research outputs. Funding highlights include $279,000 for a 3D audio-visual speech recognition system (2011–2013) and $230,000 for robust speech recognition in hostile environments (2010–2012). His research aligns with UN SDGs related to innovation and infrastructure.
Associate Professor Sonny Pham leads research in artificial intelligence at Curtin University's School of EECMS. His work balances theoretical foundations with practical applications in computer vision, data mining, and deep learning. As head of the IAMAI research group, he collaborates with industry partners on security systems, healthcare AI, and sustainable technologies. His research explores: Computationally efficient deep learning architectures Compressed sensing for high-dimensional data Robust statistical methods for real-world problems Applications in computer vision and industrial automation Recent publications demonstrate a focus on medical imaging interpretation and efficient neural networks, with applications spanning radiology report generation, semantic segmentation for autonomous systems, and cybersecurity. His team's work consistently bridges theoretical AI advancements with industrial applications. Honors include: Multiple WANMA Awards (2021-2024) for industry-impactful research INCITE Award for social impact technology (2024) IEEE Young Author Best Paper Award (2010) Over $5M in competitive research funding including MRFF and DFAT grants He leads the IAMAI research group with 12+ graduate students and coordinates Curtin's Master of Artificial Intelligence program. Industry collaborations include Alcoa Australia, iCetana, and HyprFire.
Professor David Taubman is a distinguished academic serving as Professor and Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications (EE&T) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. He is also co-director of Kakadu Software Pty. Ltd. and its affiliates Kakadu R&D and Kakadu GPU. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Taubman has made significant contributions to the field of image and video compression, most notably as the author of the EBCOT coding algorithm adopted in the JPEG2000 international standard. Professor Taubman earned his B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science (1986) and B.E. (Medal) in Electrical Engineering (1988) from the University of Sydney, followed by an M.Sc. (1992) and Ph.D. (1994) in Electrical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. His professional journey includes engineering work at the Electricity Commission of N.S.W. (1988-1990), research positions at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories in Palo Alto (1994-1998), and an academic career at UNSW where he progressed from Senior Lecturer (1998-2003) to Associate Professor (2004-2009) and finally to Professor (2009-present). He has held various leadership roles including Head of the EE&T Telecommunications Research Group (2003-2014), Head of the EE&T Signal Processing Research Group (2014-present), Director of Research for the School of EE&T (2011-2016), and Deputy Head of School (Research) since 2017. Professor Taubman's research interests center on image and video compression, with particular expertise in JPEG2000 standards and implementations. His work spans signal processing, wavelet transforms, scalable video coding, motion modeling, and multimedia systems. He has pioneered numerous compression algorithms and frameworks, including the EBCOT coding algorithm that became central to the JPEG2000 standard. His recent research focuses on efficient motion modeling with cuboidal partitioning, learned lifting-based transform structures, and high-throughput implementations of JPEG2000 for video applications. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations, as evidenced by the commercially successful Kakadu Software tools that have garnered around 500 commercial licensees. Analysis of Professor Taubman's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on advancing compression technologies with particular emphasis on scalability, efficiency, and adaptability. His work spans traditional image compression (JPEG2000 extensions), video coding (cuboid-based partitioning for UHD/360-degree video), and emerging applications (nanopore sequencing data compression). A notable trend is the integration of machine learning techniques with traditional compression frameworks, as seen in his work on learned lifting-based transform structures. His research maintains strong connections to real-world applications across diverse domains including medical imaging, astronomical data processing, and genomic sequencing. IEEE Fellow Engineers Australia Fellow (by invitation) Professor Taubman has served as Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Image Processing for two four-year appointments (2003-2005 and 2010-2013). He has been actively involved in numerous research grants focused on image and video compression technologies, particularly those related to the JPEG2000 standard and its extensions. His work has received significant industry support, reflected in his consultancy with various U.S., Japanese, and Australian corporations. He has also contributed to international standards development as a member of Standards Australia Technical Committee MS-065 (mirroring ISO TC42 on Digital Photography) and as a constitutional member of Standards Australia Technical Committee IT-029 (Coded Representation of Picture, Audio and Multimedia/Hypermedia Information). Professor Taubman co-directs Kakadu Software Pty. Ltd. and its research affiliates Kakadu R&D and Kakadu GPU, which have developed the commercially successful Kakadu Software tools for JPEG2000. His research group at UNSW focuses on advanced image and video compression techniques, with particular expertise in wavelet-based methods, scalable coding, and motion modeling. The group maintains strong industry connections and has contributed significantly to the development and standardization of image compression technologies worldwide.
Dr. Sam Ferguson is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a multidisciplinary background in music performance, cognitive science, and psycho-acoustics. His research explores the intersection of sound, music, and human experience through creative coding, machine learning, and interactive systems. Key Research Areas: Sound and Music Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, Creative Coding, Cognitive Science, Installation Art, and Acoustics. Current Projects: ARC Linkage project on creative coding and multiplicitous media; industry collaborations on IoT-based audiovisual systems. Recent Publications: Focus on spatial audio complexity, gestural interaction with networked sound, music emotion recognition frameworks, and robotic performance through genre-based cultural platforms. Leadership Roles: Director of Teaching & Learning Engagement; former Deputy Head of School (Teaching and Learning); active in ACM Creativity and Cognition Steering Committee. Teaching: Courses like Digital Media Studio , Prototyping Physical Interaction , and Data Processing using R within UTS's interdisciplinary Software Development Studio.
Abhinav Dhall is an Associate Professor in the Department of Data Science & AI at Monash University. His research focuses on computer vision, affective computing, and human-centered AI, with a particular emphasis on deepfake detection, multimodal analysis, and ethical AI applications. He is actively involved in organizing workshops like the Multimodal and Responsible Affective Computing (MRAC) and chairs conferences such as ACCV. Dhall accepts PhD students and has contributed significantly to datasets like AV-Deepfake1M and EmotiW challenges. His work spans topics including HDR imaging, facial expression recognition, and AI ethics in multimedia systems.
Professor Dinh Phung is the Head of the Department of Data Science & AI at Monash University. His research focuses on machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, and robust AI systems. He has authored over 250 publications, with applications in NLP, computer vision, digital health, and cybersecurity. Phung holds a PhD and BSc(Hons) in Computer Science from Curtin University. He leads major projects like 'Can Machines Unlearn?' and 'Trustworthy Generative AI', funded by the Australian Research Council and the Department of Defence. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Computer Science, Curtin University (2005) Bachelor of Science (Honours), Computer Science, Curtin University (2001) Research Interests: Machine learning, deep learning, and generative models Optimal transport and Bayesian methods Robust and trustworthy AI Applications in digital health, cybersecurity, and autism research Key Projects (2023–2029): Can Machines Unlearn? (2025–2029): Safety in AI Trustworthy Generative AI (2024–2026): Foundation models Robust Machine Learning via Optimal Transport (2023–2025) Awards and Grants: Australian Research Council grants for AI safety and robustness Department of Defence funding for robust learning systems Collaborations: Global partnerships in AI ethics, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Active advisory roles, including with the Victorian Parliamentary Library.
Professor JC Ji is a distinguished academic at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he was promoted to Professor on January 3, 2025, after serving as an Associate Professor since January 1, 2016. He serves as the Theme Research Director at the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) at UTS and is an active member of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. Professor Ji holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Australia and a Graduate Certificate from UTS, along with CPEng NER certification from Engineers Australia since 2018. Professor Ji's research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas with significant practical applications. His primary research interests include Dynamics, Vibration and Vibration Control (focusing on wind turbine dynamics, rotor-bearing systems, and vibration isolation); Machine Condition Monitoring and Asset Management (specializing in fault diagnostics, prognostics, and digital twin-based modeling); Renewable Energy and Sustainability (particularly in vibration-based energy harvesting and battery circular economy); Mechanical and Vehicle Systems; Robotic and Multi-Agent Systems; and Ecological Systems. His work demonstrates a strong integration of theoretical foundations with practical engineering solutions for real-world problems. Analysis of Professor Ji's recent publications reveals a clear research trajectory focused on advanced vibration control systems, condition monitoring techniques, and digital twin applications. His work increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional mechanical engineering approaches, particularly in bearing and gear health management. A significant portion of his recent research focuses on quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolators using innovative structural designs including origami-inspired mechanisms. His publications show strong international impact with numerous high-citation articles in top mechanical engineering journals. Stanford University's World's Top 2% Scientists List for both career-long impact and single-calendar year impact in 2023 and 2024 CPEng NER Chartered Engineers certification from Engineers Australia (2018-present) Professor Ji actively supervises research students and has secured substantial funding for his work, including multiple ARC Discovery and Linkage Projects. He serves as an Associate Editor for Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing (Q1 journal), Journal of Vibration and Control (Q2 journal), and International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos (Q2 journal). He is also an active assessor for ARC grant applications since 2007 and for international funding bodies including Hong Kong RGC, Belgium FNRS, and New Zealand MBIE. His industry collaborations include projects with Zip Heaters, Alstom Transport, and Coal Services Health and Safety Trust. As Theme Research Director at the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration (CAAV) at UTS, Professor Ji leads a research team focused on advancing vibration control technologies and their applications. His laboratory work includes developing innovative vibration isolators, condition monitoring systems for industrial machinery, and energy harvesting technologies. The research group maintains strong connections with industry partners to ensure practical implementation of their theoretical advancements.
Iti Chaturvedi is a Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology at James Cook University (JCU). She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Her research focuses on signal processing and AI applications in social media, including emotion recognition, speech analysis, and sentiment analysis. She has been recognized as a Top 2% Most Cited Researcher globally (2022) and received the JCU CSE Early Career Researcher Award (2020). She teaches courses such as Machine Learning and Data Science, Programming III, and Design Thinking I. Current research projects include sentiment prediction from social media (since 2020). She serves as an Associate Editor for the Expert Systems journal (2023) and has been an ARC Assessor (2020). Key contributions include work on speech emotion recognition, constrained manifold learning for videos, and multimodal emotion recognition systems. Her research outputs span journals like Expert Systems , Signal Processing , and conferences including IJCNN and AAAI.
Dr. Lizhen Qu is a Lecturer at Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology, part of the AIM Lab. His research focuses on robust and privacy-preserving neuro-symbolic methods for NLP and multimodal applications, including causal reasoning in dialogue systems, legal AI, digital health, and social NLP. Previously, he worked at Data61/CSIRO and completed his PhD at Saarland University and the Max-Planck-Institute for Informatics. Education: PhD in Computer Science from Saarland University and Max-Planck-Institute for Informatics. Research interests include integrating deep learning with logical reasoning, causal discovery, and ethical AI applications. He leads projects like TMLGenAI (Trusted Generative AI) and HARNESS (Neuro-Symbolic Systems), addressing model robustness and societal impact. Projects: TMLGenAI (2024–2026), HARNESS (2023–2027), and Accessible Data Exploration for Blind People (2023–2027) Contributions: Developed benchmarks like LazyReview and ACCESS, and co-organized ACL and IJCNLP workshops Research trends span causal discovery in NLP, federated learning for legal systems (e.g., FedLegal), and multimodal security. His work aligns with UN SDGs for innovation and health.
Mahmoud Karimi is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering , University of Technology Sydney (UTS), leading the Vibroacoustics Research Group within the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UNSW with specialization in vibration and acoustics, and has conducted visiting research at University of Cambridge, Technical University of Munich, and INSA Lyon. His research focuses on computational hydroacoustics, vibroacoustics, and uncertainty quantification in noise/vibration problems. Academic Leadership : Editor-in-Chief of Acoustics Australia since 2025 Research Income : Attracted $6M in competitive grants ($2M as Chief Investigator) since 2017 Technical Expertise : Specializes in acoustic black hole structures, flow-induced vibration modeling, and leak detection in buried pipelines Scientific Awards : Recipient of ARC DECRA Fellowship (DE190101412) 2019-2022 Research Trends : His 91+ publications demonstrate expertise in hybrid acoustic modeling techniques, sustainable hempcrete development, and vibration energy harvesting solutions with applications in mining, rail systems, and water infrastructure. International Collaborations: University of Cambridge (UK), Technical University of Munich (Germany), INSA Lyon (France) Teaching Portfolio: Advanced numerical methods, dynamics & control, and computational modeling at UTS
Dr. Sirojan Tharmakulasingam serves as a Lecturer and Research and Development Coordinator at the Signals, Information & Machine Intelligence lab within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney. His work bridges theoretical machine learning with practical applications in edge computing and high-performance systems. His research spans multiple cutting-edge domains including machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, edge computing, and high-performance computing. Dr. Tharmakulasingam specializes in developing next-generation inference models by integrating machine learning, signal processing, mathematical modeling, and computing across diverse data types including images, video, audio, and quantum molecular data. His work has significant implications for scientific computing, telecommunications, and healthcare applications. Analysis of his publication trends reveals a strong focus on practical AI implementations, with increasing emphasis on edge computing solutions, quantum applications, and energy-efficient models. His recent work demonstrates progression from foundational machine learning techniques toward specialized applications in scientific computing and real-time systems. Dr. Tharmakulasingam holds a Doctor of Philosophy from UNSW Sydney and a Bachelor of Science of Engineering from the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied engineering principles. As Research and Development Coordinator for the Signals, Information & Machine Intelligence lab, he oversees critical research infrastructure and collaborations. His work location in Room 447 of the EE&T Building (G17) places him at the heart of UNSW's engineering research ecosystem, with access to the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre's extensive facilities.
Farshid Hajati is a Lecturer in Data Science at the University of New England's School of Science and Technology. He holds a PhD from Western Sydney University and has industry experience as a Senior Data Scientist at Australian government health agencies. His expertise spans machine learning, medical AI, and computer vision. Dr. Hajati's research develops deep learning solutions for medical applications including retinal disease detection, cardiac arrhythmia classification, and fungal infection diagnosis. He has secured significant funding including $433,000 for an intracranial pressure assessment device and $100,000 from Google Research. His publications demonstrate consistent innovation in multimodal medical AI, with recent advances in interpretable graph networks for biomedical data and handheld retinal imaging. Earlier foundational work established methods for 3D face recognition and dynamic texture analysis.
James Bradbury is a Music Lecturer at the Conservatorium of Music, University of Western Australia. He holds a PhD in Music Technology (2021) from the same institution. His research focuses on integrating machine learning into music creation and performance, with expertise in sound art, experimental art, and software development for creative applications. Previously, he served as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Creative Coding at the University of Huddersfield (2021–2022). Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Music Technology, University of Western Australia (2021) Research Interests : Bradbury explores machine learning's role in shaping contemporary music through real-time interactive systems, sound art installations, and experimental music performance. His work emphasizes computational tools for creative processes, including the Fluid Corpus Manipulation (FluCoMa) platform, which enables novel compositional workflows. He investigates how algorithmic approaches can expand artistic expression while maintaining human creativity at the core. Research Trends : Recent works highlight interdisciplinary collaborations between music and computer science, particularly in developing open-source tools like FluCoMa. His performances and publications demonstrate a focus on non-narrative musical forms and real-time algorithmic generation. The 2025 Audible Edge performance exemplifies this through live machine learning-driven sample selection. Awards and Grants : No specific awards or grants mentioned in the provided texts. His contributions are primarily reflected in creative outputs and academic publications. Labs and Teams : Active within the Conservatorium of Music, Bradbury collaborates with institutions like the University of Huddersfield and participates in festivals such as Audible Edge. His work is closely tied to the FluCoMa research collective, emphasizing open-source software development for artistic innovation.
Leong Shu Min is a Lecturer in the School of Information Technology at Monash University Malaysia. She holds a Ph.D. in IT from Monash University Malaysia (2023), focusing on privacy-preserving and emotional understanding of human faces using machine learning. She earned her Master of Engineering Science (2020) and B.Eng. (Hons) in Electronics with Computer specialization (2018) from Multimedia University. Her research emphasizes face analysis, emotion recognition, and security-related image processing. Education Ph.D., IT, Monash University Malaysia (2019–2023) M.Eng.Sc., Multimedia University (2018–2020) B.Eng., Multimedia University (2014–2018) Research Interests Her work centers on facial recognition systems, emotion analysis, and privacy-preserving techniques. She explores Local Binary Pattern algorithms and micro-expression recognition, aiming to enhance security and ethical AI applications. Recent projects include detecting synthetic music and uncovering biases in video-based emotion recognition systems. Projects Chief Investigator in the Æinstein: Adversarial AI amongst Materials Discovery Domains project (2024–2026), focusing on AI-driven material discovery and ethical AI challenges. Advising She has been accepting PhD students since 2020, mentoring research in facial analysis and machine learning applications.
