Professor Kathy Bowrey is a leading academic in Intellectual Property Law at UNSW Sydney's Faculty of Law. Her work explores laws shaping knowledge creation, technology, and culture, with expertise in IP, Indigenous rights, and open research advocacy. She holds a Doctor of Juridical Studies from the University of Sydney and a BA LLB from Macquarie University. Her research focuses on historical and contemporary IP frameworks, including their impact on creators, Indigenous communities, and global innovation systems. Notable projects include the ARC-funded 'Producing, Managing and Owning Knowledge in the 21st Century University' (2019–2022), which shaped Australia's open research policies. Awards include the 2022 ANZLHS Book Prize for *Copyright, Creativity, Big Media & Cultural Value* and fellowships at the State Library of NSW and Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. She co-authored *Adventures in Childhood* (2023), examining IP in toy and media industries, and *David Unaipon* (2023), exploring Indigenous innovation. Professor Bowrey co-leads the International Society for the History and Theory of Intellectual Property (ISHTIP) and advises on national research policies. Her grants include ARC Discovery Projects on Australian copyright history and IP commercialization.
Dr. Yaron Meron is a Lecturer and researcher in design at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. He holds a PhD (RMIT, Melbourne) and two Master's degrees (RMIT, Central St Martins). His work bridges academic research and professional practice, focusing on graphic and communication design, socially engaged design, AI integration, and responsible design thinking. Meron’s research explores interdisciplinary challenges, design collaboration, and the societal impact of emerging technologies like AI. He coordinates the Civic & Social Design Research Group. Educations: PhD in Design (RMIT University, Melbourne) MA in Design (RMIT University, Melbourne) MA in Communication Design (Central Saint Martins, London) Research Interests: Graphic design as an interdisciplinary practice Artificial intelligence in design education and practice Media literacy and defamiliarisation techniques Socially engaged design methodologies Design briefs and stakeholder relationships Articles & Trends: Recent publications emphasize AI's role in design education, speculative urban futures, and critical design approaches to media literacy. His work frequently intersects with pedagogy, ethics, and technology’s societal implications. Labs/Teams: Coordinator of the Civic & Social Design Research Group, fostering collaborative projects on responsible design and interdisciplinary innovation.
Felicity McArdle is a Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education within the Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, her work centers on reimagining early childhood pedagogy through critical lenses of social justice, art education, and play-based learning. Her research has significantly influenced Australian early childhood policy and practice. McArdle's research interests demonstrate a consistent commitment to transformative education. She critically examines how art and play function as vehicles for social justice, challenging neoliberal discourses in early childhood education. Her work on refugee children's artistic expression and anti-bias curriculum development reveals her dedication to equity-oriented pedagogy. Through collaborative drawing methodologies and visual research approaches, she has pioneered innovative ways of understanding children's perspectives. Her publication trends reveal a sophisticated evolution from foundational work on visual arts in education (2001-2010) toward increasingly critical examinations of power, policy, and social justice (2011-2021). The consistent citation impact of her work—particularly her 2002 paper 'Early Childhood Art Education: A Palimpsest' with over 13,000 citations—demonstrates her field-defining contributions to reconceptualizing art education as critical praxis. McArdle has held significant editorial roles including co-editing the influential 2013 volume 'Young Children, Pedagogy and the Arts' and serving on the editorial board of Australian Journal of Early Childhood. Her collaborations with leading scholars like Susan Grieshaber, Jennifer Sumsion, and Linda Knight have produced seminal work on intentional teaching and play-based learning. Her research methodology expertise centers on visual and arts-based approaches, particularly collaborative drawing techniques that engage children as active research participants. This methodological innovation reflects her commitment to ethical research practices that honor children's agency while generating meaningful insights about early childhood experiences.
Professor Jacqueline Manuel is a Professor of English Education and Curriculum Coordinator for Secondary English at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD (UNE), DipEd (UNE), and BA (Hons I) from the University of New England. Her research focuses on secondary English education, curriculum history, teacher development, and teenage reading practices. She coordinates the English curriculum methodology for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) program and advises multiple PhD students. Current projects include co-editing volumes on English teacher development and leading international collaborations like the Professional Lives of English Language Arts Teachers Project. She has held significant roles in curriculum committees and boards, including chairing NSW Board of Studies committees and serving on AITSL panels. Key research interests span educational history, teacher professional identity, creativity in arts education, and early career teacher support. Notable publications include Reimagining Shakespeare Education (2023) and Teenagers and Reading (2012). Awards include the 2018 Alan Laughlin Award for Educational Leadership and 2016 Outstanding Service Award. Professor Manuel collaborates with institutions like the International Federation for the Teaching of English (IFTE) and chairs multiple editorial boards. Her work integrates international perspectives, emphasizing English as an emancipatory subject promoting social justice.
Dr Nga Wun (Doris) Li is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, Department of Fashion and Textiles. She leads research in seamless knitting technology, smart textiles, and sustainable fashion innovation. PhD in Fashion & Textile Design (HK PolyU, 2021) BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textiles (HK PolyU, 2012) Certifications in Wholegarment Machine (Shima Seiki, Japan) and Higher Education Pedagogy (UTS) Her research focuses on functional garments, knitting technology, and bio-informed textile design. Key projects include smart socks for DVT prevention , one-size sports bras , and buoyant swimwear for children . She combines knitting with machine learning and 3D printing for material innovation. Recent publications highlight her work on compression textiles (2025), wearable glucose sensors (2025), and knitted metasurfaces for acoustic comfort (2024). She has secured AU$52,000+ in grants across 5 funded projects. Fashion Design Award (Jeanswest, China) Outstanding Presentation & Research Paper Awards (2024) Dr Li supervises PhD and MPhil students in smart textiles and sustainable design while coordinating machine knitting courses. She collaborates with AiDLab (Hong Kong) and Powerhouse Museum (Australia).
Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy is a leading figure in marketing and service science at The University of Queensland's Business School. She serves as Program Lead for Innovation Pathways (FaBA) and co-founded the Service Innovation Alliance (SIA) research hub, focusing on customer experience, AI, digital transformation, and sustainability. With Fellow status in the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy, she holds international recognition including Research.com's World's Best Business Scientists ranking and the Christopher Lovelock Career Contributions to the Services Discipline Award (2025). University of Queensland Business School Honorary Visiting Professor, Cambridge Service Alliance Research Collaborator, University of Cambridge Her research spans customer experience management, service ecosystems, digital transformation, and healthcare services. She has pioneered frameworks for customer value co-creation and service recovery strategies, integrating AI and behavioral science. Her 2019 paper on customer experience insights was implemented by a major B2B organization, while her work on value co-creation improved outcomes at Lutheran Community Care. Recent publications focus on AI impacts in food and beverage services, sustainable service ecosystems, and digital health interventions. She has secured over $89 million in competitive grants, including multiple ARC Linkage and Discovery Projects, and leads cross-disciplinary teams with institutions like Cambridge University and Arizona State University. 2024 - ARC College of Experts appointment 2023 - Bo Edvardsson Industry Impact in Services Award 2022 - Elected Fellow of Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia 2021 - Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher 2018 - Ranked most influential marketing academic in Australia With over 220 publications and a Google Scholar H-index of 62, she has mentored 15 PhD students and examined theses at multiple universities. Her teaching spans 30+ years across undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programs in Australia, USA, Italy, China, and Korea, with awards for blended learning and corporate education.
Dr. Barbara Barbosa Neves is a sociologist of technology and ageing at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, holding a prestigious Sydney Horizon Fellowship in AI Social Science. She specializes in loneliness, social isolation, and digital inequalities in later life, with over $6 million in competitive funding from global bodies. Her research bridges sociology and computer science, focusing on inclusive technology design for older adults. Education: PhD in Sociology. Formerly an Associate Director at the Technologies for Aging Gracefully Lab, University of Toronto, Canada. Visiting positions at Oxford, Oslo, Louvain, and Toronto. Research Interests: Sociology of Technology , Aging Anxieties , Healthcare AI , and Ageism . Her work examines how AI, VR, and robotics can benefit older adults while addressing ethical and social challenges. Key themes include combating age-based digital divides and designing technologies that align with care ethics. Grants & Projects: Lead Investigator for the $1M+ evaluation of Australia’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, ARC Discovery Project on loneliness and technology, and MRFF-funded dementia studies. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including computer scientists and policy experts. Awards: 28+ international awards, including Mather Awards (US), George Story Distinguished Lecturer, and Fellowships from the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Public Engagement: Over 200 media contributions, including ABC op-eds and SBS documentaries. Her research informs policy and public discourse on aging, technology, and social equity.
Alana Clifton-Cunningham is a dedicated educator and researcher in fashion and textile design at the University of New South Wales, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. With over two decades of experience in higher education, she has established herself as a leader in sustainable and innovative design education. Her work bridges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies, creating experiential learning environments that prepare students for contemporary design practice while addressing global sustainability challenges. Educational Background: 2021 | UNSW - Learn to Lead: Progress Needs Resilient Leaders 2019 | UTS - Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Transdisciplinary Learning 2008 | UNSW (COFA) - Master of Design (Hons) Research 2002 | UTS - Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning 2001 | TAFE - Diploma of Marketing Management 1993 | UTS - Bachelor of Design (Hons) (Fashion and Textile Design) Clifton-Cunningham's research focuses on sustainable fashion practices, with particular emphasis on circular economy principles in textile production and garment design. Her work explores scalable models for textile remanufacturing, clothing waste reduction, and sustainable workwear systems. She is deeply engaged in addressing clothing sizing issues and standards in Australia, advocating for more inclusive approaches to fit and body diversity. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion underpins all aspects of her leadership and teaching, making her a strong advocate for responsible design futures that prioritize both environmental sustainability and social justice. Her publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of design education, cultural exchange, and sustainable practices. Notable works include her 2022 book chapter on cross-cultural textile workshops in India, her 2018 analysis of undergarment technology evolution, and her contributions to exhibitions like 'Out of Hand' at the Powerhouse Museum. These works collectively highlight her emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning that connects students with real-world sustainability challenges and cultural contexts. Research Grants: 2024 | Redesigning Clothing Waste Using a Circular Design Framework - LP230200929 $220,473K 2024 | Department of Community and Justice - $17,900 2024 | Education Focussed Community of Practice (PVCESE) - $2,500 2023 | Department of Community and Justice - $15,900 2023 | Education Focussed Community of Practice (PVCESE) - $6,995 2017 | AbbVie Pharmaceutical Pty Ltd, HS Support Garments: Chief Investigator - $35,000 Clifton-Cunningham actively supervises research in fashion and textile design, with a focus on sustainable practices and innovative design processes. Her extensive industry network, including partnerships with major fashion labels, brings real-world insight into the classroom. She has led international global studios, including immersive programs in India where students collaborate with artisans. Her current ARC Linkage project 'Redesigning Clothing Waste Using a Circular Design Framework' represents a significant contribution to sustainable fashion research. Her creative practice is reflected in numerous exhibitions, including the Seoul International Fashion Art Biennale (2016, 2018), Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Awards, and the Powerhouse Museum's 'Out of Hand' exhibition. These artistic endeavors complement her academic work, demonstrating the practical application of her research interests in sustainable and innovative textile design.
Kees Dorst is a Professor of Transdisciplinary Innovation at the TD School of the University of Technology Sydney. He bridges philosophical understandings of design with practical applications, focusing on tackling complex societal challenges through designerly thinking. His research develops methodologies for strategic transformation and networked problem-solving in public sectors. Professor of Transdisciplinary Innovation, UTS Director, Designing Out Crime Research Centre International keynote speaker and advisor on design thinking Research Interests Dorst specializes in: Transdisciplinary innovation for societal challenges Design thinking and co-evolutionary processes Reframing complex problems in public policy Design cognition and metacognition Urban environment design for safety Recent Research Trends show increasing focus on: Hypercomplex problem-solving frameworks Strategic transformation through design Cognitive models in design processes Public sector innovation methodologies Teaching & Leadership includes: Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation Master of Creative Intelligence and Strategic Innovation Founding the Designing Out Crime Research Centre International design research symposium leadership
Giorgia Alù is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Department of Italian Studies within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD from the University of Warwick and has taught at institutions including the University of Reading. Her research focuses on intersections between literature, photography, and cultural history, with a specialization in modern Italian studies and women's writing. Education: PhD (Warwick), MA (Warwick), BA (Catania). Research Interests: Travel writing and photographic culture Italian cultural history and visual studies Photography's ethical and aesthetic dimensions WWII Italian detainees' cultural production Recent Projects: Leading an ARC Discovery Project on WWII Italian detainees' creativity and co-investigating multilingual archives in Australia. Her book projects include Sicilian mining's global impacts and Italian female photographers' roles in cultural preservation. Awards: Excellence in Teaching (2013), Senior Fellowship at Freiburg Institute (2022-2023), and multiple research grants from the University of Sydney and ARC. Teaching: Courses on Italian language, literature, and visual culture including ITLN3688 (Advanced Italian Translation) and IC LS2626 (Words & Pictures Across Cultures). Labs/Teams: Member of Sydney Environment Institute and Vere Gordon Childe Centre. Collaborates internationally on digitizing cultural heritage and migrant archives.
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.
Sarah Bankins is an Associate Professor at Macquarie University's Department of Management. Her research focuses on AI's impact on work, organizational ethics, and human resource management. She holds editorial roles at The Australian Journal of Management and Group and Organization Management . Before academia, she worked in public sector HR and management consulting. Education: PhD from Queensland University of Technology, B. Business/B. Economics from University of Queensland, and a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching from University of Newcastle. Research Interests: AI ethics, future of work, workplace technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration with fields like computer science and philosophy. Recent articles explore AI's role in decision-making, workplace trust, and educational ethics. Key projects include studies on mining sector mental health and ethical AI applications. Awards include teaching excellence (2013) and research supervision (2017).
Narelle Lemon is a Professor of Education and Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University , affiliated with the School of Education . She previously served as Associate Dean (Education) at Swinburne University of Technology. Her research areas include: Wellbeing literacy for educators and students Creative research methods (poetry, visual narratives) Digital literacy in academic contexts Pedagogy of Belonging framework Positive psychology applications Recent publications focus on: Self-care practices during pandemic Time as a wellbeing resource Academic collaboration through creative methods Teacher resilience and institutional care Notable awards: 2021 Citizenship Award (Swinburne) 2020 AUUT National Teaching Citation 2018 VC Team Award for Diversity & Inclusion Multiple early/mid-career research recognitions She supervises PhD students in topics like: Autistic student voice in education Academic staff capabilities in Communities of Practice Gender equity in decision-making Connect via email , ORCID , or @rellypops on social media. Her podcast Teachers Supporting Teachers is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify .
Professor Anna Marie Munster is a distinguished academic and artist at UNSW Art and Design (College of Fine Arts), where she has held a full-time tenured position since 2001. Her work bridges theoretical scholarship with creative practice, establishing her as a leading figure in digital media art and critical theory. University: University of New South Wales School: College of Fine Arts (UNSW Art and Design) Position: Professor Qualifications: PhD from UNSW (2002), BA (Class 1 Hons with University Medal) from University of Sydney (1984) Professor Munster's research explores the intersections of art, technology, and philosophy, with particular focus on statistical visuality, radical empiricism, the politics and aesthetics of machine learning, and more-than-human perception. Her work integrates process philosophy with contemporary media practices, examining how time, movement, and sonicity shape our experience of digital environments. She approaches these topics through both theoretical scholarship and creative practice, often collaborating with artist Michele Barker on multi-channel audiovisual installations. Her publications reveal a consistent trajectory exploring the relationship between embodiment and digital media, with recent work focusing on AI and machine learning in cultural contexts. Munster's creative output demonstrates sophisticated integration of technical innovation with philosophical inquiry, particularly in how her installations challenge conventional perceptions of time and space. ARC, UNSW Student Council Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Supervision (2017) Dean's Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Supervision (2015) Highly commended for Materializing New Media at Prix Ars Electronica (2008) Winner of National Digital Art Awards 'The Harries' (2006) University Press of New England Publishing Award (2005) Professor Munster has completed over 20 PhD and Masters supervisions at UNSW and been involved in another 10 secondary supervisions. She currently supervises five PhD candidates working on diverse topics including coding materialities, critical bio-textiles, schizophrenia and XR technologies, sound and resonance, and affective drawing. Her ARC-funded research projects demonstrate sustained commitment to interdisciplinary work, particularly at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Her creative practice with Michele Barker has resulted in numerous commissioned installations exploring perception, embodiment, and the relationship between humans and technology.
Professor Terry Flew (BEc (Hons), MEc (Sydney), MBA (QUT), PhD (Griffith)) is a leading academic at the University of Sydney , holding the Professor of Digital Communication & Culture position within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences . As an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow (2024-2029), he leads the Centre for AI, Trust & Governance , a flagship initiative involving multiple faculties. His international appointments include Research Fellow at the UK Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre and Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Co-Director, Centre for AI Trust and Governance Member, SSSHARC research center International collaborations with Carleton University (Canada), Communications University of China, University of Glasgow (UK) Research Focus : Specializing in platform governance , digital policy , and mediated trust , Professor Flew bridges media economics , AI ethics , and creative industries . His work examines digital platform regulation , news media sustainability , and global internet governance , with recent projects analyzing trust mechanisms in AI systems and digital content regulation . The 2024-2028 Laureate Fellowship on "Mediated Trust" integrates these themes. Publications & Grants : With 16 authored/edited books and 129 journal articles , he has secured $11 million in research funding (including $9.9 million from ARC). Key grants include ARC Discovery projects on digital platform governance and Linkage projects on citizen journalism. Professional Leadership : Served as ICA President (2019-2020), ANZCA President (2009-10), and Lead Commissioner for the Australian Law Reform Commission. Currently sits on editorial boards of Journal of Communication , Global Media and Communication , and Media International Australia .
