Trevor Cohn is a Professor at The University of Melbourne's Computing and Information Systems Department, with a dual appointment at Google Research Australia. His research focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP), probabilistic machine learning, and machine translation. He leads the Natural Language Processing group and has held roles including Director of the ITTC on medtech and Local Chair for ACL 2018. His research interests include automatic language processing, handling uncertain data, structured prediction, and cross-lingual systems. Recent work addresses backdoor attacks, reward modeling, and fairness in AI. He teaches courses like Statistical Machine Learning and Web Search & Text Analysis, advising students such as Thinh Truong and Nitika Mathur (award recipients). His 15 most recent articles span topics like LLM-based planning systems, mitigation of adversarial attacks, and cross-lingual NLP challenges. His work emphasizes practical applications of NLP in multilingual contexts and robust AI systems.
Muhammad Shazzad Hossain is a Professor at the University of Western Australia , School of Earth and Oceans. With over 15 years of experience in offshore geotechnical engineering, his work focuses on foundation solutions for marine infrastructure and environmental sustainability initiatives. PhD (University of Western Australia, 2009) Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow Core member of ISO TC67/SC7/WG7/P4 His research addresses: Seabed deformation mechanics Novel spudcan foundation design Dynamically installed fish anchors Repurposing decommissioned flowlines Plastic pollution mitigation Cutting-edge projects include computational modeling of calcareous soils and centrifuge testing for offshore applications. Industry collaborations span Korea (Daewoo, Samsung, POSCO), USA (Delmar Systems), Norway (NGI), France (TOTAL), and Singapore (Subsea 7). Scientific recognition includes: 2015 Vice-Chancellor’s Mid-Career Research Award 2013 Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year 2012 ASCE Best Civil Engineering Paper Award 2012 Outstanding Young Investigator Award Secured $3.4M in research funding as lead investigator, including ARC Linkage Projects with contributions from Daewoo Engineering, Daewoo Shipbuilding, and Keppel Offshore. Delivered 33 invited seminars across China, Korea, Singapore, and USA.
Xinyun Jian is a Research Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Monash University. Their research focuses on the chemistry and biology of bioactive natural products, including antibiotics, anticancer agents, and agrichemicals. They employ interdisciplinary approaches such as genomics-driven discovery, biosynthetic pathway elucidation, and bioengineering to create novel natural product derivatives. Education: PhD in Chemistry (2014), University of Warwick, UK MSc in Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy (Bioengineering of aminoglycosides), Wuhan University, China Research Interests: Genomics-driven discovery of novel bioactive natural products Mechanistic characterization of enzymes in biosynthesis pathways Engineering biosynthetic pathways for antibiotic diversification Recent Projects: Primary Chief Investigator (2025–2026): 'Unlocking the Potential of Soil Bacteria to Combat Drug-Resistant Fungal Pathogens' Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes enzymatic mechanisms in polyketide and nonribosomal peptide systems, with a focus on antibiotic skeletal diversification, glycodiversification of aminoglycosides, and HDAC inhibitor design. Articles highlight interdisciplinary methods to address antibiotic resistance and anticancer drug development. Labs/Teams: Active in Monash University's Biochemistry & Molecular Biology department, collaborating on microbial natural product research and enzymatic biosynthesis.
Dr. Dan Zhu is a Professor in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University. She holds a PhD in Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science from the University of Melbourne's Economics department. Her research focuses on numerical methods for sensitivity analysis, financial mathematics, Bayesian analysis, and stochastic dynamical systems optimization. She has led multiple research projects including 'Efficient Bayesian Markov chain Monte-Carlo for Ultra-High-Dimensional Time Series' (2025) and contributed to initiatives like the 'Carer payments assessment process' (2024–2025). Key areas of expertise include Bayesian VAR models, macroeconomic forecasting, and financial risk analysis. Her work frequently addresses computational challenges in high-dimensional statistical models, with applications to policy analysis and financial engineering. Notable collaborations span institutions including CSIRO Data61 and the Australian Research Council. Dr. Zhu’s recent research emphasizes structural analysis of vector autoregressions, quantile-based forecasting methods, and the integration of climate variables into macroeconomic risk frameworks. Her methodologies have advanced sensitivity analysis techniques critical for robust policy evaluation and financial decision-making.
Adam Irving is a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University's Centre for Health Economics, specializing in health economics and decision modeling. He holds a PhD in Health Economics from Monash University (2020), an MSc in Health Economics & Decision Modelling from the University of Sheffield (2013), and a BEconSc in Economics from the University of Manchester (2009). His research focuses on optimizing healthcare resource allocation, particularly in haematology and blood transfusion practices. He leads the EpiMAP Myeloma project, developing disease pathway models for multiple myeloma using national registry data. Current Projects: Lead modeller for EpiMAP Myeloma (2024–2028) Chief Investigator in GLAM Study (Genomic Liquid Biopsy Analysis for Myeloma, 2024–2028) Co-Investigator in multiple blood management projects (e.g., OPTIMAL Immunoglobulin study) His research interests span economic evaluations of clinical interventions, blood resource stewardship, and translational oncology economics. Recent work includes analyzing transfusion practices in cardiac surgery and sickle cell disease burden in Australia. Publications highlight his expertise in cost-effectiveness analysis, disease modeling, and healthcare system optimization. Ongoing projects aim to refine guidelines for platelet transfusions and immunoglobulin use, with direct implications for UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Grants & Collaborations: Projects funded by Australian research councils and partnerships with clinicians, statisticians, and industry Active collaborations across haematology, critical care, and public health disciplines Labs/Teams: Central role in Monash’s Health Economics Centre and cross-faculty teams for disease modeling and translational research.
Tim Jackson is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University , specializing in health informatics and telehealth research. His work focuses on digital healthcare transformation, particularly in virtual hospital systems and patient experience optimization. Key Research Areas: Telehealth implementation, remote patient monitoring, knowledge management systems, and clinical workflow adaptation. Scientific Awards: Multiple recognitions including Macquarie University's Early Career Research Impact Award (2024), Rising Star Award (2023), and EnCouRage Research Symposium First Place (2024). Research Trends: Recent publications examine telehealth's impact on primary care, virtual hospital protocols, and caregiver roles in paediatric teleconsultations. His work combines mixed-methods studies with scoping reviews to evaluate digital healthcare innovations. Projects: Leads studies on patient-facing apps for remote monitoring and technical elements of NSW Remote Patient Monitoring Program, with active grants extending through 2028. Presentations: Delivered talks on virtual care experience at Macquarie University's Research Clinic (2023). Committee Memberships: Involved in ECR Showcase Committee (2023) and Australasian Conference of Information Systems (2020-2021).
Dr. Ardalan Sameti is a researcher at UNSW Sydney with expertise spanning strategy (business & marketing strategies), branding, new product development, integrated marketing communication, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, and innovation management. Holding a PhD in Business from Macquarie University (2021) and two MBAs in marketing management (2011) and strategic management (2014), he combines academic rigor with practical industry experience. His research focuses on the intersection of product development and strategic decision-making, examining creative outcomes in professional settings, change agent selection procedures, and methods for improving human resource management service quality. With 11 journal articles published between 2015 and 2025, his work appears in journals like Technovation , Journal of Product & Brand Management , and Leadership & Organization Development Journal . Scientific Awards: Nominated for UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Awards (2025) Professional Memberships: Product Development & Management Association (PDMA) Australian Innovation Management Institute (AIMI) Certified Practicing Marketer, Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Design Institute of Australia (DIA) His work integrates academic research with industry applications, particularly in marketing roles across various organizations. He has received the International Research Training Program (IRTP) Scholarship from the Australian Government (2017) and maintains active collaborations with researchers like Amir Mashhady, Hamid Khalili, and Susan Koslow.
Dr. Jason Geijskes is a seasoned research leader at CSIRO, currently serving as Deputy Director - Science (Acting) and Group Leader for Trait Innovation. With over 25 years of expertise in plant biotechnology, he specializes in genetic modification, molecular biology, and crop improvement. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology/Virology from Queensland University of Technology (2001), an MBA in Research Management from Southern Cross University (2010), and a Project Management Professional certification (2021). His research focuses on New Breeding Technologies, Biomass Utilisation for Biofuels, Biofortification, and Pest & Disease Resistance in crops like Canola, Wheat, Barley, and Banana. He previously led the Syngenta Centre for Sugarcane Biofuels Development and managed commercial genetic improvement programs. His work bridges academic and industrial applications, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and circular economy principles. Key career milestones include roles at Syngenta as Biotechnology Group Leader and Regulatory Affairs Lead, and as Senior Research Scientist at Queensland University of Technology. His publications span sugarcane transformation methods, transgene expression, and banana phytoene synthase research. Though no specific awards are listed, his extensive patent portfolio reflects significant contributions to agricultural biotechnology. Jason’s Trait Innovation Group at CSIRO focuses on accelerating genetic improvement using TILLING and gene editing technologies. His projects address global challenges in crop resilience and bio-based economies, collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders.
Professor Longbing Cao is the Distinguished Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Director of the Frontier AI Research Centre at Macquarie University. He holds dual PhDs in Artificial Intelligence and Computing Science, an MSc in Communication, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. His research spans AI, data science, behavior informatics, and enterprise innovation, with over 400 publications and significant industry collaborations. Education: PhD in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems, Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences PhD in Computing Science, University of Technology Sydney MSc in Communication Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Research Interests: Focuses on AI systems, federated learning, time series forecasting, and humanoid robotics. His work integrates theoretical advancements with real-world applications in finance, healthcare, and smart cities. Recent Articles: Explores cutting-edge topics like generative AI (ProgDiffusion), federated learning (FedSI), and pandemic modeling (waning effect of interventions). These contributions highlight advancements in both foundational AI and applied data science. Awards: Eureka Prize (2019), ACM Distinguished Scientist (2019) Grants & Projects: Leads major initiatives such as the Federated Omniverse Facilities for Smart Digital Futures (2024-2025) and Data Complexity and Uncertainty-Resilient Deep Variational Learning (2024-2027). Prior roles include Founding Director of UTS Advanced Analytics Institute (2011-2014). Labs & Teams: Directs the Frontier AI Research Centre and collaborates with global institutions like Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank, and Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Kate Letheren is an Associate Professor at the Peter Faber Business School, Faculty of Law and Business. Her research primarily explores the intersection of technology and service delivery, with a focus on artificial intelligence, service robotics, consumer behavior, and digital marketing. She investigates how emerging technologies transform service experiences and consumer interactions. Her research interests span: Service Management : AI-driven service recovery, task allocation in human-robot teams. Consumer Behavior : Vulnerability, digital self-narratives, and ethical advertising. Robotics & AI : Anthropomorphism design, deepfake implications, and robotic guardianship. Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal consistent themes: the optimization of AI/robotics in service contexts, ethical considerations in synthetic media, and consumer-centric strategies for vulnerable populations. Her work often integrates marketing, psychology, and technology management perspectives.
Martin Scanlon is Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Monash University and Director of the ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design. His research employs fragment-based approaches and NMR spectroscopy to develop therapeutics targeting antimicrobial resistance. He specializes in structural characterization of protein-ligand interactions and rational drug design. Scanlon leads the Monash Fragment Platform and teaches spectroscopic techniques for drug discovery. His work integrates biophysical methods including mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.
Paul Stanwix is Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Western Australia, with joint appointments in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. His research develops novel sensing technologies for fluid mixtures in energy applications, particularly hydrogen, natural gas, and cryogenic systems. Research focuses on: Hydrogen liquefaction and ortho-para conversion Microwave and NMR sensing technologies Thermophysical property measurement Gas hydrate formation and flow assurance Cryogenic fluid behavior Recent publications feature advanced sensor designs for industrial applications, including hydrogen purity monitoring and multiphase flow measurement. Research integrates experimental techniques with thermodynamic modeling. Significant recognition includes: WA Innovator of the Year Finalist (2019) ARC Discovery Early Career Award (2014) National Measurement Institute Prize (2008) Stanwix co-founded Jovian Tech commercializing hydrogen sensors and holds multiple patents. Current projects include developing hand-held skin cancer probes and optimizing hydrogen liquefaction processes.
Mingda Xu is a Research Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU), working in Prof. Stephen Gould's group in collaboration with Seeing Machines Ltd. His research focuses on autonomous systems, combining machine learning, computer vision, and robotics. He holds a PhD in Robotics from Queensland University of Technology (2019–2022) and a Master's in Mathematics from the University of New South Wales (2016–2018). His research interests include unsupervised learning, optimal control, differentiable optimization, and visual localization. Notable projects involve feature-shaping methods for anomaly detection, diffusion models for pose estimation, and model-based control techniques like differentiable dynamic programming. He has also explored applications in visual place recognition and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Key projects: Unsupervised learning for long-form videos, differentiable DTW for visual place recognition, and discrete-time optimal control. His work has been recognized with a CVPR 2024 Best Paper Award nomination. He collaborates actively with industry and academia, contributing to the development of scalable and robust autonomous systems. He is registered to supervise research students and has contributed to multiple grants focused on advancing robotics and AI technologies. Mingda's lab work integrates robotics, computer vision, and machine learning, emphasizing end-to-end solutions for real-world applications in autonomous systems.
Dr. Manuj Awasthi is a Lecturer in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He specializes in aeroacoustics, fluid dynamics, and experimental methods for noise reduction in aerospace systems. His research focuses on supersonic flows, boundary layer interactions, and the design of specialized facilities like the UNSW anechoic wind tunnel. University: University of New South Wales School: Engineering Department: Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Research interests include: Supersonic cylinder wake dynamics and acoustic wave propagation Tip clearance flow noise and boundary layer effects Leading-edge serrations and trailing-edge bluntness noise reduction Experimental investigations using 3D microphone arrays and anechoic wind tunnel setups Recent work highlights advancements in understanding near-field cylinder wakes across subsonic, transonic, and supersonic regimes, as well as parametric studies of tip leakage flow acoustics. His contributions span both numerical simulations and experimental validations, with a focus on wind tunnel testing and flow visualization techniques. Collaborations include development of specialized facilities like the UNSW tip clearance flow noise test rig and participation in global conferences such as the AIAA Aeroacoustics Conference.
Xibin Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash Business School, Monash University, Australia. He has been a faculty member since 2004, progressing from Lecturer to full Professor in 2021, and has established a strong research profile in econometrics and applied statistics. Educational Background: PhD in Econometrics, Monash University, Australia Doctoral Degree in Systems Engineering, Tianjin University, China MSc in Probability and Statistics, Nankai University, China BSc in Mathematical Statistics, Nankai University, China Research Interests: Professor Zhang’s research focuses on advanced econometric methodologies, including Bayesian inference, semiparametric and nonparametric estimation, panel data models, and hypothesis testing. His work extends into financial econometrics, actuarial studies, and energy economics, with a strong emphasis on empirical applications related to climate policy, energy transition, and economic sustainability. He applies sophisticated statistical techniques to real-world data, contributing to both methodological development and policy-relevant insights. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2019–2025) reveal a consistent focus on nonparametric and Bayesian methods in econometrics, with applications in energy economics, stochastic frontier analysis, and financial modeling. He frequently publishes in top-tier journals such as Journal of Econometrics , Energy Economics , and Economic Modelling , often in collaboration with leading researchers. A notable trend is the integration of kernel-based methods and Bayesian bandwidth selection across various modeling frameworks. Scientific Awards: Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (2009) Dean's Commendation for Excellence in Research Publication (2007) Advising and Grants: He has supervised over 15 PhD and Master’s students to completion and currently supervises multiple PhD candidates. His research is supported by competitive grants, including four Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects (2006–2016) and a DFAT-funded project (2017–2018) on Chinese tourism dispersal in regional Australia. Labs and Research Teams: While no formal lab is mentioned, Professor Zhang collaborates extensively within econometrics and business statistics research groups at Monash, particularly with colleagues like M.L. King, Jiti Gao, and Russell Smyth. He also engages in interdisciplinary work involving energy policy, finance, and actuarial science.
