Aarti Singh is Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Sydney, specializing in macroeconomics and monetary policy. She serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Money, Credit and Banking and the Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control. Her research examines optimal monetary policies in economies with heterogeneous agents, sectoral interdependencies, and incomplete markets. Singh collaborates with central banks globally and has held visiting positions at Cornell, Oxford, and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Recent work analyzes how tax progressivity affects consumption insurance and the labor market impacts of monetary shocks. Grants include an ARC DECRA on human capital risk.
Dr. Alyas Widita is an Assistant Professor in the Urban Design program at Monash University, Indonesia. He is actively involved in research and teaching, focusing on urban planning, transportation, and smart city technologies. He serves as the Program Coordinator for Urban Design and teaches courses such as Urban Design Studio: Smart City and Smart City Technologies. Education: Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States Dr. Widita's research centers on the built environment, transportation systems, and urban analytics, with a strong emphasis on developing Asian cities. His work explores congestion impacts of mass transit, ride-hailing effects on vehicle ownership, rural-urban migration, walking behavior, and spatial patterns of MSMEs. He employs advanced data analytics and causal evaluation methods to inform urban policy. His recent publications span high-impact journals such as Transport Reviews , Journal of Planning Education and Research , and Travel Behaviour and Society . The research trend shows a consistent focus on data-driven urban policy, sustainable mobility, and equity in urban development across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Scientific Awards and Recognition: No specific awards listed, but research widely cited and featured in media outlets. Dr. Widita has secured and contributed to multiple research projects funded by international and national agencies, including the World Bank, Korea Transport Institute (KOTI), Central Bank of Indonesia, and Georgia Department of Transportation. He is currently leading or co-leading projects on Jakarta’s subsidence, flood risk management using remote sensing, and the Citarum River revitalization. He collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines and institutions. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities. He is accepting PhD students interested in the built environment, transportation, and urban analytics in developing Asia. He is involved in key labs and research teams including the Citarum Action Research Program (CARP), Intelligent and Dynamic Remote Sensing for Flood Risk, and interdisciplinary urban analytics initiatives at Monash Indonesia.
Professor Will Bateman is a distinguished academic at the Australian National University (ANU) College of Law, where he serves as a Professor and recently completed his term as Associate Dean (Research) from 2021 to 2024. He is also a Chief Investigator for the ANU Grand Challenge project "Humanising Machine Intelligence" and a Fellow at the Gradient Institute, a leading ethical AI research organization based in Sydney. Professor Bateman's educational background is impressive, having earned a PhD and LLM (Hons) from the University of Cambridge and a BA/LLB (Hons) from the Australian National University. Prior to his academic career, he worked in appellate litigation, commercial disputes, and banking as a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills, and served as an associate to Justice Stephen Gageler AC of the High Court of Australia and Justice Steven Rares of the Federal Court of Australia. Professor Bateman's research spans two major interdisciplinary domains that sit at the intersection of law with finance and technology. His work on financial regulation focuses on the legal aspects of central banking, sovereign debt markets, digital currencies, and sustainable investing. He has provided expert evidence to the UK Parliament's House of Lords Inquiry into Quantitative Easing, and has collaborated with major financial institutions including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Bank of England. His research on artificial intelligence examines regulatory frameworks for AI in the public sector, with collaborations including the Minderoo Foundation and the Gradient Institute. His recent publications demonstrate a remarkable breadth across legal theory, financial regulation, and AI governance. The articles reveal a consistent theme of examining how traditional legal frameworks adapt to new financial technologies and monetary policy challenges. His work bridges theoretical legal scholarship with practical policy implications, as evidenced by his numerous government consultations and collaborations with central banks worldwide. 2020 Yorke Prize by the University of Cambridge for his work on public finance and constitutionalism Top 10 all-time most downloaded SSRN paper on central banking ("Central Bank Money: Liability, Asset, or Equity of the Nation?") Professor Bateman actively supervises research students, currently mentoring Benjamin Ettinger who is pursuing a PhD on "Legal Method, Cartels and Public Monopolies: A View From the High Court 1908 - 1948." He has secured significant research funding, including projects funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (UK), the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), and The Minderoo Foundation. His "Rebuilding Macroeconomics Initiative: Legal and Economic Conceptions of Money" received £245,000, while the "FA Mann" project was funded with €620,000 (approximately A$1,012,500). He leads the "Humanising Machine Intelligence" project, an ambitious interdisciplinary initiative involving computer scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, and lawyers aimed at developing democratically legitimate machine intelligence. He also co-led a major project with the University of Western Australia to formulate model legal frameworks for AI regulation in the public sector, funded by The Minderoo Foundation.
Professor Begona Dominguez is a faculty member in the School of Economics at The University of Queensland (UQ), within the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Her research focuses on Macroeconomics, Public Finance, and Monetary Economics, with emphasis on fiscal policy design, central bank balance sheets, and optimal taxation frameworks. Her key projects include Supporting Entry and Growth of Australian Businesses via Tax and Transfers (2022–2024) and The role of a central bank's balance sheet in shaping the economy (2021–2024) . She is available for PhD supervision and actively contributes to applied macroeconomic analysis, particularly in urban economic advantages and policy evaluation. Publications span topics like fiscal sustainability, inflation dynamics under central bank policies, and the implications of constitutional constraints on taxation. Her work bridges theoretical models (e.g., Ramsey frameworks) with empirical applications in tax policy and public debt management. Professor Dominguez maintains affiliations with the Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (ANU) and has reviewed prominent texts such as John Taylor's Reform of the International Monetary System . She is based in Room 507, Colin Clark Building at UQ.
Steve Worthington is an Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship in Melbourne, Australia. Previously, he held a Professorship in Marketing at Monash University until 2013. His research focuses on financial services distribution via electronic channels, payment systems regulation, and cross-cultural financial practices. He has contributed extensively to academic journals such as the International Journal of Bank Marketing and practitioner outlets like The Financial Times and ANZ's BlueNotes . His work includes analyses of payment card markets in China and Japan, regulatory interventions in Australia's payment system, and expert testimony on financial services marketing disputes. Worthington's research interests span payment systems innovation, consumer behavior in financial contexts, and the intersection of technology with financial services. Notable contributions include studies on cashless society debates, payment fraud dynamics, and the cultural dimensions influencing financial product adoption. He frequently engages with industry conferences and media, offering insights into emerging trends like digital payment adoption and regulatory challenges in the financial sector. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, blending economic policy analysis with marketing strategy. Key themes include the societal implications of cash decline, fairness perceptions in financial services, and the ethical dimensions of payment technologies. Despite no explicit awards listed, his prolific media engagement and advisory roles reflect recognition of his expertise in payment systems and financial markets.
Saule Burkitbayeva is a Research Fellow at the ANU College of Law , focusing on intersections of climate change , agriculture , and policy . Her work emphasizes embedded emissions accounting and carbon footprinting in agri-food systems. PhD in Economics (KU Leuven) MSc in Agricultural Economics (University of Saskatchewan) Bachelor in Agricultural Economics (University of Saskatchewan) Her career spans research institutes and international organizations in Canada, Belgium, Germany, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Australia, with fieldwork in Central and South Asia. Current research themes include: Climate Change & Climate Finance Environmental Law International Economic Law Law & Economics She has collaborated with the World Bank , Asian Development Bank , and UNDP , and her publications appear in high-impact journals and edited volumes.
Christina Nikitopoulos Sklibosios is an Associate Professor in the Finance Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Business School. She specializes in energy finance, renewable energy economics, sustainable finance, and commodity markets. Her research focuses on analyzing price dynamics and volatility in energy markets, particularly addressing challenges posed by renewable energy integration, green bond markets, and climate transition risks. She has held leadership roles including Finance PhD Program Coordinator (2015–2023) and currently serves on the UTS Business School's Faculty Board and HDR Director (acting). Education: Doctoral and academic background in finance and energy economics (details not explicitly provided in texts). Her research projects include modeling electricity prices in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM), assessing renewable energy impacts on grid stability, and evaluating green bond premiums. Key grants include ARC grants on energy market volatility and climate risk (2010–2017), and recent awards such as the UTS Strategic Research Accelerator grant (2024–2025) for net-zero decision-making tools. Research interests span energy economics, sustainable finance mechanisms, and commodity market dynamics. She collaborates with international organizations like CEMA, IAEE, and AFFECT, and contributes to policy discussions on energy transition and financial market reforms.
Isaac Gross is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at Monash University, Faculty of Business and Economics. He holds a PhD and is actively involved in research, teaching, and policy advisory roles. His work bridges academic theory and real-world economic policy, particularly in macroeconomic and monetary domains. His research interests center on macroeconomics , monetary policy , DSGE modeling , and commodity price dynamics . He employs advanced quantitative methods to analyze policy effectiveness and economic stability, with a regional focus on Australia and global commodity markets. The recent articles highlight a consistent focus on nonlinear modeling of macroeconomic systems, optimal policy design , and structural analysis of monetary and resource sectors . His work combines theoretical rigor with empirical validation, often using large-scale models like MARTIN for policy simulation. Scientific Awards: Best Paper at the Melbourne Institute Macroeconomic Policy Meeting (2018) Dean's Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2021) Advising and Grants: Isaac Gross served as the Primary Chief Investigator on the 2022 research project Estimating Optimal Policy Rules for Australian Monetary Policy with MARTIN . While formal student advising is not listed, his Dean’s Citation underscores significant contributions to student learning. He has also contributed to educational initiatives such as continuing education in macroeconometrics. Labs, Teams, and Collaborations: He collaborates with prominent economists including Andrew Leigh and J. Hansen. His work involves external engagement with key institutions such as the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Standing Committee on Economics, indicating integration into national policy networks.
Associate Professor Anton Didenko is a leading academic at UNSW Sydney's School of Private & Commercial Law, specializing in FinTech regulation, banking law, and central bank digital currencies (CBDC). He holds law degrees from Russia and the UK, including an MJur and DPhil from the University of Oxford. His research focuses on CBDC design, regulatory sandboxes, open banking frameworks, and cybersecurity in finance. University Affiliation: UNSW Sydney Key Academic Roles: Author of Banking Law in Australia (11th ed, 2024) and lead author of Customer Data Sharing Frameworks (2024) Global Engagement: Adviser to G20, Asian Development Bank, and UN agencies Research Interests: - CBDC policy and design implications - Regulatory frameworks for FinTech innovation - Cybersecurity in financial systems - Transnational commercial law and secured transactions - Open data and customer consent mechanisms Recent Articles: Focus on CBDC adoption in Pacific economies, weaponization of digital currencies in geopolitical conflicts, and comparative analysis of blockchain liabilities. His work bridges legal, technological, and policy dimensions of financial innovation. Awards : Australian Academic of the Year in Digital Finance (2023) Advising & Grants: - No listed advisees - Collaborations include Asian Development Bank-funded Pacific CBDC studies - Co-authored policy reports for UN Capital Development Fund and CPA Australia Labs/Teams: - Editor-in-Chief of the Cape Town Convention Journal - Co-leader of UNSW's FinTech regulation research initiatives
Dr. Jorge Miranda-Pinto is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Economics within the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Queensland. He is also a Research Associate at the ANU Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA) and an Affiliate of the Centre for Efficiency and Productivity Analysis. His research focuses on applied macroeconomics, international economics, and macroeconomic theory, with an emphasis on business cycle fluctuations, production networks, fiscal policy transmission, and sectoral shifts. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Virginia (2017). Educations: PhD in Economics (University of Virginia, 2017) His research explores the role of firm and household heterogeneity in shaping macroeconomic volatility and the effects of fiscal stimulus. Recent work includes analyzing commodity price shocks, service trade impacts, and monetary policy transmission mechanisms. He has contributed to projects such as the ARC-funded study on unobserved networks in macroeconomic fluctuations (2022–2025). Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding economic dynamics, including articles on production networks, business cycle asymmetry, and trade credit effects. His work bridges theoretical models with empirical applications, addressing global economic challenges. Grants: ARC Discovery Project (2022–2025) Miranda-Pinto collaborates with institutions like the IMF and Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, reflecting his engagement with policy-relevant research. He is available for academic supervision and media commentary on macroeconomic topics.
Dr. Bernard Njindan Iyke is a Lecturer in Finance at La Trobe University, specializing in climate and energy finance, corporate risk management, and international economics/finance. He holds an ORCID identifier (0000-0002-9217-1856) and has extensive experience as a consultant for central banks and international organizations. His recent research includes leading the Australian Government-funded 'Quantum Enhanced Optimisation for Energy Efficient Data Centres' project. He actively supervises postgraduate research students focusing on Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Dr. Iyke's research interests span climate finance, energy security, geopolitical risk analysis, and macroeconomic policy interactions. His work frequently explores emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa, with notable contributions on financial stability, currency dynamics, and pandemic economic impacts. He has presented at institutions like the University of Oxford and the Asian Development Bank Institute. His recent publications analyze topics such as financial cycle synchronization in emerging economies, energy investment under climate risks, and the interplay between monetary policy and asset prices in ASEAN countries. While no explicit awards are listed, his high citation counts (e.g., over 90 citations for his 2024 energy security paper) reflect significant academic impact. He teaches courses on commercial lending and bank strategy, integrating real-world financial technology and regulatory challenges. Dr. Iyke has secured government grants totaling millions AUD, notably the 2024 Quantum Optimisation project. He advises on policy matters related to energy transition and financial resilience, maintaining active collaboration with central banks and multilateral institutions. His research agenda emphasizes bridging theoretical economics with practical policy solutions for sustainable development.
Dr Gonzalo Castex Hernandez is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Rochester. His research focuses on Macroeconomics, Labour Economics, and the Economics of Education, with particular emphasis on topics such as pension systems, juvenile crime determinants, and the impact of policy measures like minimum wage laws and non-pharmaceutical interventions during pandemics. He has contributed to edited volumes, including Changing Inflation Dynamics, Evolving Monetary Policy , and authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control and Economic Modelling . His recent work explores nonlinear means-tested pension systems, the evolving relationship between capital and skill complementarity, and cross-country analyses of policy responses to crises like the 2020 pandemic. He maintains an active research agenda bridging theoretical models with empirical evidence, particularly in areas affecting public policy design and labor market dynamics. Dr Castex Hernandez’s academic contributions span multiple subfields, including public finance, development economics, and quantitative social science. He collaborates internationally with institutions such as the Central Bank of Chile and the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy. His ORCID profile ( 0000-0001-7943-8627 ) and personal website ( https://sites.google.com/site/gonzalocastex/ ) provide access to his full body of research.
Joaquin Vespignani is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania. His research focuses on financial economics, critical mineral markets, artificial intelligence in finance, environmental economics, and education quality analysis. He has supervised 9 doctoral students, including completed projects on topics such as financial inclusion, commodity prices, and economic growth drivers. His funded projects include a 2014 grant examining the impact of unconventional monetary policy on commodity prices. Recent research highlights include analyzing geopolitical risks in critical mineral markets and exploring AI's role in mitigating supply chain risks. He has presented at conferences like 'Teaching Matters - Education that makes a difference' in 2024, emphasizing sustainable finance education. Key publications cover critical mineral market fragility, environmental performance in West African economies, and the link between education quality and economic growth. His work often integrates macroeconomic analysis with policy implications for sustainability and global resource management.
Professor Denzil G Fiebig is a leading academic in econometrics and health economics, affiliated with the School of Economics at UNSW Business School . He has held visiting appointments at prestigious institutions including the University of Florida and Tilburg University. His research focuses on econometric modeling in healthcare decision-making and policy design. Member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts (2014-17) President of Australian Health Economics Society (2005-10) Chair of iHEA Scientific Committee (2016-19) His work has attracted over $AUD15.6 million in research funding from ARC and NHMRC. Key editorial roles include service on Economic Record and Social Science and Medicine . Recent publications analyze topics ranging from: Discrete choice experiments in healthcare Health insurance market dynamics End-of-life care economics Neonatal healthcare utilization Major awards include: 2016 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence 2003 Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia
Stacey Steele is an Associate Professor at the Melbourne Law School and Associate Director (Japan) at the Asian Law Centre, University of Melbourne. She has been affiliated with the Asian Law Centre since 1997, specializing in financial services regulation, privacy law, and comparative insolvency frameworks. Her work bridges Japanese and international legal systems, with extensive contributions to education programs for Japanese legal professionals. Stacey’s academic roles include teaching insolvency law, corporate finance, and Japanese legal studies. She pioneered a short-course program for Japanese law students (2004–2017) and annual programs for Japanese judicial visitors. Her research focuses on cross-border insolvency, privacy law in crises, and legal education reforms in Asia. Her publications span peer-reviewed articles and edited volumes, including Match-Fixing in Sport: Comparative Studies (Routledge, 2018) and co-authored works on Japanese insolvency law. Stacey also advises on privacy compliance and cybersecurity strategies as a practicing lawyer. Professional affiliations include the Melbourne Centre for Commercial Law and leadership in the Urasenke Melbourne Chapter of Chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony). Her work reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary legal scholarship and practical policy solutions.
