Allen Zhong is a Lecturer in the Department of Data Science & AI at Monash University. His research focuses on combinatorial optimization, constraint programming, and machine learning. He has contributed to advancements in dominance breaking techniques for constraint optimization problems and explores the integration of machine learning with optimization frameworks like Predict+Optimize. Zhong is an Associate Investigator on the NLCG: Huub project (2025-2026), focusing on Next-Gen Lazy Clause Generation. His work spans theoretical contributions (e.g., functional constraints exploitation) and applied domains such as network coding and computer vision. Collaborations include international researchers in AI and information theory. Zhong’s publications appear in top venues like Artificial Intelligence, Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, and NeurIPS.
Moe Thandar is a prominent academic researcher in the field of Process Mining and Business Process Management. Their work spans over 160 publications from 2012 to 2025, focusing on advancing methodologies for process analysis, data quality, and automation in healthcare, business, and cybersecurity domains. They have collaborated with leading institutions globally, contributing to standards like the IEEE XES format for process event data. Key areas of expertise: Event log analysis, data-driven process improvement, robotic process automation (RPA), and privacy-preserving techniques. Notable contributions include frameworks like xPM for integrating exogenous data and SwiftMend for repairing process logs. Active in conferences such as BPM, CAiSE, and ICPM, often serving as editor or co-author in proceedings. Research emphasizes practical applications in healthcare (e.g., patient flow optimization), aviation safety, and cost-effective process management. Their work bridges theoretical advancements with real-world implementations, addressing challenges like data quality, scalability, and ethical considerations.
Arnt Maasø is an Associate Professor at the Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo. He holds a PhD from the University of Oslo (2002) and has been a Visiting Fellow at the Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC) at Queensland University of Technology (June 2019 - January 2020). His research focuses on media and music culture, particularly digital transformation in the cultural sector, music streaming economics, and sound design in television. He has led major projects like Music on demand: Economy and copyright in a digitised cultural sector (MUSEC) and Streaming the culture industries (STREAM) . Maasø is also an award-winning educator, recognized as Teacher of the Year at the University of Oslo (2011). He has supervised 4 PhD and 50 MA candidates, emphasizing peer mentorship and organizational learning in higher education. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in media innovation and policy.
Dr. Robert Howie is a Research Fellow at Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds roles as Engineering Project Lead for the FireOPAL Space Domain Awareness Partnership and Unit Coordinator for the AERO3000 Space Systems Design course. Previously, he served as Research Engineer and DFN Technician for the Desert Fireball Network (DFN). His primary research focuses on Space Systems, Small Spacecraft, Intelligent Imaging Systems, Space Domain Awareness, Planetary Science, and Fireball Camera Networks. Robert's work bridges engineering expertise with interdisciplinary collaboration at Curtin's Space Science and Technology Centre. His research interests center on advancing space technology and planetary science through projects like the Desert Fireball Network, which tracks meteorites to understand solar system dynamics. He has contributed to CubeSat propulsion systems, meteoroid trajectory modeling, and global fireball observation networks. His engineering leadership in FireOPAL aims to enhance Australia's space domain awareness capabilities. Key contributions include developing automated observatories for the DFN and Global Fireball Observatory, as evidenced by his PhD thesis. His publications span meteorite recovery techniques, orbital analysis, and CubeSat thruster design. While no awards are explicitly listed, his involvement in high-impact collaborations like FireOPAL and the Desert Fireball Network underscores his scholarly impact. Robert advises projects in space systems design and mentors students through coursework. His work interfaces with global initiatives like the Hayabusa-2 mission and OSIRIS-REx observations, demonstrating cross-border scientific collaboration. He is actively engaged in advancing Australia's space sector through research and educational outreach.
Hadrien Devillepoix is a Researcher at the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) within Curtin University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. His work focuses on meteoritics, planetary science, and impact processes, with particular emphasis on meteoroid dynamics, atmospheric entry mechanics, and the origins of meteorites. He is a core member of the Desert Fireball Network (DFN), a large-scale observational project tracking meteorite falls globally. Research interests include analyzing fireball trajectories, reconstructing meteorite orbital histories, and investigating the composition and dynamics of cometary and asteroidal materials. Key contributions include the recovery of the Winchcombe meteorite (2020), a pristine carbonaceous chondrite, and studies on Oort Cloud material detected via atmospheric impacts. His work bridges laboratory analysis, observational astronomy, and computational modeling to understand Solar System evolution. Publications highlight innovations in meteorite recovery techniques (e.g., drone-based searches) and collaborations with international networks like FRIPON and CAMS. His research also addresses planetary protection protocols, impact hazard assessments, and the role of binary asteroids in shaping planetary cratering records.
Dr. Martin Towner is a Research Fellow at Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS), part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He joined Curtin in 2012 as part of the Desert Fireball Network (DFN) project, which tracks meteoroid trajectories and recovers meteorites. Towner holds a PhD in Solid State Physics from the University of Bristol (1995) and has worked on planetary missions like the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and the Beagle 2 Mars lander. His research focuses on planetary surface processes, meteorite recovery systems, and instrument development for space missions. Education: BSc(Hons) in Physics PhD in Solid State Physics (University of Bristol, 1995) Research Interests: Towner leads the DFN's camera network to observe meteorite falls, develops search strategies for meteorite recovery, and studies planetary surface features like Martian dust devils. His work bridges geology, astronomy, and engineering to understand Solar System materials and dynamics. Recent projects involve drone-based meteorite searches and machine learning for fieldwork optimization. Publications Trends: His recent work (2020-2024) emphasizes meteoroid stream analysis, Oort cloud material detection, and Hayabusa-2 sample return missions. Key themes include meteorite orbital dynamics, pristine sample analysis, and planetary surface evolution. Labs/Teams: He leads the DFN project and collaborates with global teams on missions like the Mars Sample Return. His field teams conduct meteorite recovery in Australian outback and Martian crater analysis via automated systems.
Zahidul Islam is a Professor of Computer Science and Associate Dean (Research) at Charles Sturt University's Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences (FOBJBS). With a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Newcastle and over 150 peer-reviewed publications, his research focuses on data mining, cybersecurity, and AI applications across health, agriculture, and social systems. BSc in Civil Engineering (RUET, Bangladesh) Graduate Diploma in Information Science (UNSW, Australia) PhD in Computer Science (University of Newcastle, Australia) His research spans advanced domains like privacy-preserving data mining , federated learning , and cross-domain security threats . Recent work addresses AI applications in agri-food supply chains, malware detection across platforms, and collaborative learning frameworks for medical data. Key scientific achievements include: Cyber Security Researcher of the Year 2021 (AISA) Innovation Award 2017 (NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation) 2024 Excellence Award (CSU) Stanford University - Elsevier World Top 2% Scientists (2024) $11M+ in competitive research funding
Associate Professor Kee Siong Ng is affiliated with the School of Computing at the Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on privacy-preserving technologies, reinforcement learning, distributed systems, and blockchain applications. He has contributed extensively to areas such as privacy-preserving machine learning, federated learning, entity resolution, and scalable database systems. His work emphasizes balancing computational efficiency with privacy guarantees in data-driven environments. Key research contributions include methodologies for secure data processing in federated learning frameworks, privacy-preserving reinforcement learning for population-level systems, and blockchain-based digital identity solutions. He has led projects like Integrated Graph Analytics and contributed to initiatives involving the Australian Medicare dataset. His research often intersects theoretical foundations with practical implementations, addressing challenges in scalability and real-world applicability. Ng has published over 24 peer-reviewed articles, with notable works appearing in venues like IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems and Transactions on Machine Learning Research . His articles frequently explore cutting-edge topics such as differential privacy, approximation algorithms, and multi-agent systems. Collaborations include industry partnerships and interdisciplinary efforts involving health informatics and financial intelligence. His projects include Integrated Graph Analytics (2018–2021): Focused on scalable graph-based data analysis. Translational Fellowship (2018–2022): Bridging theoretical research with practical applications. Research on Data Sets for Health and Pharmaceutical Schemes (2020): Analyzing Medicare and pharmaceutical data with privacy safeguards. Ng's work prioritizes ethical AI and privacy-by-design principles, with a focus on real-world deployment challenges in distributed and federated systems.
Felicity Bell is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of the Centre for the Future of the Legal Profession at UNSW Law & Justice. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) from the University of Melbourne and a PhD from the University of Sydney. Previously, she served as a Senior Research Fellow at UNSW’s Future of Law and Innovation in the Profession (FLIP) research stream and a Lecturer at the University of Wollongong. Her work focuses on family law, legal professionalism, and the impact of new technologies on legal practice and regulation. Her research combines empirical methods with interdisciplinary insights, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) in legal practice, lawyer wellbeing, and judicial decision-making. Notably, she co-authored Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession (2020). Her work also addresses challenges in family law access to justice, legal ethics, and innovation in legal service delivery. She has contributed to policy reports on AI adoption in courts and regulatory frameworks for technology-driven legal services. Her academic leadership includes roles in the Centre for the Future of the Legal Profession and the FLIP stream. She has advised on judicial practices during the pandemic, law firm retention strategies, and ethical AI use in legal contexts. Her research frequently bridges theory and practice, aiming to future-proof the legal profession through evidence-based reforms.
Dr. Tim Byron is a Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, where he has held academic appointments since 2018. His research focuses on the intersection of music psychology and cognitive processes, particularly examining how musical structures interact with memory systems and expectation formation. His educational background includes a PhD from Western Sydney University (2004-2009), which provided the foundation for his specialized work in music cognition. This training is evident in his methodologically rigorous approach to studying auditory phenomena. Byron's research program centers on music cognition with particular emphasis on earworm phenomena, musical hooks, and the physiological responses to musical expectation violations. His work demonstrates how musical elements like vocals, compound hooks, and choruses enhance memorability through complex interactions between auditory processing and memory systems. Recent investigations have explored autonomic responses to rhythm changes using heart rate variability measurements, revealing the deep physiological embedding of musical processing. Analysis of his publication trends shows consistent output across multiple formats including high-impact journal articles, book chapters, and media contributions. His work spans fundamental cognitive processes in music perception to applied analyses of contemporary streaming habits and chart music evolution. The 2022 book "Hooks in Popular Music" represents a significant synthesis of his research on musical catchiness factors. Byron actively supervises doctoral research with five current students working on topics including cardiac responses during music listening, philosophical pitch analysis, and mental health in music performance students. His teaching portfolio includes coordinating the History and Philosophy of Psychology course while offering supervision in music psychology and cognition. His leadership roles include serving as Head of Students since February 2023 and regular media engagement through The Conversation, ABC broadcasts, and international conference presentations. This public scholarship demonstrates effective translation of complex cognitive concepts for broader audiences.
Dr. Andrew Ward is an ARC Early Career Industry Fellow at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) within the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology at The University of Queensland. He leads research projects focused on wastewater treatment, nutrient recovery, and microalgae biotechnology, with significant industrial experience working with water utilities to scale research to pilot and demonstration levels. Dr. Ward holds a PhD from the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, where his thesis focused on the optimisation of halophilic anaerobic digestion of algal biomass. He also earned a Bachelor (Honours) degree from Flinders University. His educational background provides a strong foundation in chemical and environmental engineering principles applied to water and wastewater treatment. Dr. Ward's research primarily focuses on innovative approaches to wastewater treatment and resource recovery. His work spans nutrient recovery via electrodialysis, Anammox processes for domestic and agricultural wastewater treatment, and the development of algae-bacterial aggregated flocs (ABAF) for wastewater remediation. He investigates microalgae's role in energy and nutrient recovery from a circular economy perspective, aiming to transform wastewater treatment facilities into resource recovery centers. His research integrates biological, chemical, and engineering approaches to create sustainable solutions for water management challenges. Dr. Ward has extensive experience scaling laboratory research to pilot and demonstration levels, working closely with industry partners including Urban Utilities. Dr. Ward's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on advancing wastewater treatment technologies, with recent articles examining deep learning applications, nutrient recovery systems, and sustainable biogas production. His work shows a clear progression toward more integrated, circular economy approaches to water management, emphasizing resource recovery alongside treatment. ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship (2024-2027): "Circular Economy", via renewable energy and resource recovery ARC Industry Fellowship Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship (2020-2023): Aggregated algal/bacterial flocs for wastewater treatment and algae industries Dr. Ward serves as lead investigator for Urban Utilities' wastewater microalgae research program and manages multiple research projects with industry partners. He currently supervises PhD students working on "Recovery of high-value coloured organic compounds from wastewater" and previously supervised research on "Algae Bacteria Aggregated Flocs in the Enhanced Treatment of Wastewater." His research has attracted significant funding from the Australian Research Council, Queensland government, and industry partners, demonstrating the practical relevance and impact of his work. Dr. Ward works within the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB), collaborating with researchers across engineering, microbiology, and environmental science disciplines. His team focuses on developing and scaling technologies that address real-world water treatment challenges while recovering valuable resources from wastewater streams.
Professor Genevieve Pepin is an accomplished academic and mental health occupational therapist serving as Professor and Higher Degree Research Director in the School of Health and Social Development within Deakin University's Faculty of Health. With nearly two decades of experience, she has established herself as a significant contributor to eating disorders research and occupational therapy practice. Education: Doctor of Philosophy from Laval University Graduate Certificate of Higher Education from Deakin University Professor Pepin's research focuses at the intersection of eating disorders, mental health, carers research, and occupational therapy. Her work is characterized by multidisciplinary approaches with strong occupational therapy foundations, emphasizing co-produced research and interventions. She investigates the impact of eating disorders on daily functioning, sensory processing in eating disorder treatment, and mental illness on occupational engagement. Her research has global reach through national and international partnerships, influencing practice and services as evidenced by her invitation to join the Advisory Committee for the Development of the Australian Eating Disorders Research & Translation Strategy 2021-2031. Analysis of Professor Pepin's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on eating disorders research, mental health service innovation, and occupational therapy practice. Her work spans clinical interventions, service models, caregiver support, and the application of innovative methodologies including co-design and AI-augmented analysis. A notable trend is her commitment to translational research that bridges academic findings with practical applications in healthcare settings, particularly through co-produced approaches that incorporate lived experience perspectives. Professor Pepin holds leadership positions in multiple national initiatives including serving as co-lead of the Lived-Experience and Co-Production stream of the Australian Eating Disorder Research and Translation Centre and membership in the National Eating Disorders Research Consortium. She also directs the Research Committee at Eating Disorders Families Australia and serves on the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia. As an educator and supervisor, Professor Pepin has guided numerous doctoral and masters students through completion of their research in areas including eating disorders, mental health, occupational therapy practice, and health service evaluation. Her current grant portfolio includes significant funding from Department of Health & Aged Care, Western Alliance, and other organizations supporting research on eating disorders treatment models, mental health service development, and Long COVID care. Professor Pepin's work is conducted through strategic partnerships with the Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Centre and collaborations with healthcare organizations including Barwon Health and Western Health, creating an integrated research environment focused on translating findings into improved clinical practice.
Dr. Kasun De Silva Wijayaratna is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with over 14 years of combined industry and academic experience in transport engineering and research. His work focuses on practical applications across network modeling, traffic management, parking systems, and car-sharing solutions, making significant contributions to understanding transport network reliability and vulnerability. His educational background includes: PhD in Civil Engineering (Transport Modelling) from the University of New South Wales (2016) Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering, Honours 1) from the University of New South Wales (2011) Bachelor of Commerce (Finance with Distinction) from the University of New South Wales (2011) Dr. Wijayaratna's research primarily investigates travel behavior under different information scenarios, with particular emphasis on shared spaces, personalized mobility solutions, and transport network reliability. His recent work demonstrates a strong focus on integrating AI and big data analytics into transport modeling, examining pandemic impacts on mobility patterns, and developing innovative approaches to shared road infrastructure. His publications reveal a consistent trajectory toward more sophisticated modeling techniques and increasingly complex real-world applications. His scientific achievements include the prestigious 2016 SIDRA Solutions Postgraduate Award as the most outstanding transport engineering researcher in Australia and New Zealand, along with multiple research funding successes totaling over $1.5 million from state and local government sources. He has secured significant grants through iMOVE CRC and Transport for NSW for projects examining shared spaces, transport system optimization, and road safety innovations. As an educator, Dr. Wijayaratna serves as subject coordinator for Roads and Transport Engineering and Traffic and Transportation courses at UTS. He has been recognized as an innovator in tertiary education for developing blended learning approaches that effectively engage contemporary student cohorts. His teaching philosophy integrates practical industry experience gained during his time at Cardno with academic rigor, creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for real-world transport engineering challenges.
Dr. Joan Tan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Econometrics & Business Statistics at Monash University. Her research spans econometrics, sustainable development, and chemical engineering applications, with a focus on data literacy, energy economics, and innovative material science solutions. Her work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in: Nanocellulose-based sustainable packaging Chemical process digitalization Food safety monitoring systems Technoeconomic assessments for green manufacturing Key research themes include: Statistical modeling of economic-environmental interactions Development of bio-based materials with tunable properties Integration of digital technologies in engineering education Resource recovery from industrial waste streams Her interdisciplinary approach combines econometric analysis with chemical engineering challenges, particularly in sustainability contexts. Recent publications demonstrate her expertise in cellulose nanotechnology, process optimization, and data-driven decision making across multiple sectors.
Dr. Justtina John serves as Lecturer and Diploma Program Leader in the Department of Computing, School of Engineering, Computing and Built Environment at University of Wollongong Malaysia KDU Penang University College. With over 14 years at the institution since 2011 and 20+ years total in Malaysian private higher education, she teaches core courses including Object Oriented System Analysis and Design, Business Information Systems, and Strategic Systems Management across diploma and bachelor programs. Her educational credentials feature a Doctorate of Business Administration (2018), MSc in Information Technology (2003), and Bachelor in Information Technology (2001), all from Universiti Utara Malaysia. The doctoral research employed PLS-SEM methodology to investigate workload pressure, person-job fit, and innovation trust effects on educator creativity in Malaysian private universities. Dr. John's research program bridges educational psychology and computing applications, with dual streams examining higher education dynamics and information systems development. Her scholarly output since 2015 demonstrates consistent publication in both educational research (focusing on faculty creativity metrics) and applied computing (including route optimization systems and environmental data visualization tools), reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to academic challenges. As Diploma Program Leader, she oversees operational management for Diploma in Information Technology and Diploma in Digital Animation programs, handling curriculum revisions, student coordination, and academic quality assurance. Her international collaboration with Gorondutse, A.H. at the 2017 Asian Academy of Management Conference indicates active engagement with global academic networks, while her quantitative research expertise provides methodological rigor to institutional improvement initiatives.
