Professor Jo Barraket is a leading academic and researcher in social equity, social innovation, and public policy. As Director of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute and member of the Dilun Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership, she focuses on improving social equity through organizational innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and policy design. Her research addresses social procurement, health equity, digital inclusion, and employment pathways for marginalized groups. Her work includes landmark projects such as the Australian Digital Inclusion Index and evaluations of Commonwealth Social Enterprise Development Funds. She has secured over $11M in research grants, including multiple ARC grants, and produced over 75 scholarly publications. Her current projects compare social procurement policies in Australia and Scotland, and study youth unemployment in construction via employment-focused procurement. Key research themes include: social enterprise scaling strategies, cross-sector partnerships for policy implementation, and the role of philanthropy in equitable housing. She advises governments and OECD on inclusive employment policies and chairs major research initiatives like the Social Enterprise Impact Lab. Prof Barraket’s transdisciplinary approach combines rigorous academic research with practical outputs like policy guides and digital tools to maximize societal impact. She previously founded the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne, now a global leader in social economy research.
Professor Simon Buckingham Shum is a leading academic in Learning Informatics at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), serving as inaugural Director of the Connected Intelligence Centre since 2014. His work bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, and Learning Analytics to develop AI-driven tools like OnTask that enhance student belonging through personalized feedback. Key research areas: Human-Computer Interaction, Learning Analytics, AI in Education, Collective Intelligence Recent work focuses: LLM-augmented qualitative analysis, Belonging Analytics frameworks, and ethical AI implementation in education CIC received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Student Experience Award for scaling OnTask across multiple faculties. His contributions span over 30 years, including founding roles at The Open University’s Knowledge Media Institute and innovations in Open Educational Resources (OER), SocialLearn, and FutureLearn platforms. Notable awards: 2024 Student Experience Award (OnTask), Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), DEFI STRI Researcher at University of Cambridge Education: B.Sc. in Psychology (York), M.Sc. in Ergonomics (UCL), PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (York) He leads multidisciplinary collaborations with teams across Business, Law, and Education faculties, pioneering tools like Theme Explorer and Qreframer bot. His recent focus on the "metacrisis" reframes educational technology’s role in addressing global systemic challenges through transdisciplinary approaches.
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.
Yong-Bin Kang is a Senior Data Science Research Fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society (ADM+S) at Swinburne University of Technology, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. He holds a PhD in AI from Monash University and leads numerous transdisciplinary research projects applying artificial intelligence to address complex societal challenges. Education: PhD in Faculty of IT, Monash University, Australia Dr. Kang's research focuses on Responsible AI and Society, with specific interests in developing Societal-AI platforms that integrate social data with ethical principles. His work spans healthcare, humanitech, education, financial planning, environmental health, and justice domains. He investigates how AI can enhance decision-making processes while promoting societal well-being, with particular attention to ethical implementation and human-centered approaches. His expertise encompasses AI, natural language processing, machine learning, and decision-making optimization. Analysis of Dr. Kang's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward socially responsible AI applications across diverse domains. His work consistently bridges technical AI capabilities with social implications, particularly focusing on ethical frameworks, community-centered design, and addressing societal inequalities through technology. The publications demonstrate increasing collaboration across disciplines including criminology, environmental science, mental health, and education. Dr. Kang is actively involved in significant research funding initiatives, with multiple ongoing projects that address critical societal challenges through AI. His supervision availability includes Doctorate (PhD) candidates, indicating his commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers in AI and data science fields. Current Flagship Areas: Digital Capability Innovative Society Manufacturing Futures Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well Being (SDG 3) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
Matthew Stephenson is a Lecturer at Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering, specializing in Artificial Intelligence applications for games. He leads the Data for Decisions initiative within the Factory of the Future Transdisciplinary Hub, focusing on AI-powered scenario generation for smart digital twins. Additionally, he is a member of IRL CROSSING, an international lab studying human-autonomous agent teaming dynamics. PhD in Computer Science (Australian National University, 2019) B.Sc.(Hons) in Computer Science (University of Canterbury, 2015) His research applies AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science to game domains, including intelligent agent development for physics-based environments, procedural content generation, and game analytics. He also investigates deceptive behaviors in multi-agent systems and leverages games as testbeds for real-world AI solutions. Recent publications focus on large language models for game benchmarking, physical reasoning challenges, and evolutionary game generation. Scientific awards include an honourable mention at Foundations of Digital Games (FDG'18). He supervises students in procedural generation, game AI, and physics-based task creation, with teaching roles in computational intelligence and neural networks courses.
Associate Professor Lizzie Muller serves as Director of Research in the School of Art & Design at the University of New South Wales. An accomplished curator and researcher, she specializes in audience experience and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a particular focus on the future of museums as sites of knowledge production. Her research bridges curatorial practice with theories and methods from participatory design and interaction design, developing audience-centered curatorial methodologies and innovative approaches to audience research. Her work extends to preservation and archiving, particularly experiential documentation and oral histories of media art. Co-author of Curating Lively Objects: Exhibitions Beyond Disciplines (Routledge Museum Studies Series, 2022) Elected Councillor of the Sydney Culture Network Co-founder of the bi-monthly Sydney Culture Data Salon with Keir Winesmith Muller's research output demonstrates a consistent trajectory exploring the intersection of art, science, and technology through major international exhibitions including Human Non Human (Powerhouse Museum, 2018/19) and A Working Model of the World (staged across UNSW Galleries, Parsons School of Design, and University of Dundee). Her recent work focuses on art-science collaborations, deep time history through the ARC Centre for Excellence in Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, and the development of audience-centered curatorial frameworks. Scientific Awards: 2024 ADA Deans Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Supervision Muller leads significant research initiatives as Chief Investigator on multiple ARC-funded projects including the ARC Linkage project Curating Third Space: The Value of ArtScience Collaboration and SSHRC-funded research on The Living Effect and Curating Lively Objects . She has supervised numerous PhD and MFA candidates, with a special focus on curatorial practice-based research, and currently serves as Program Director of the Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership at UNSW Art & Design.
Professor Mindy Blaise is a Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow and Director of the Centre for People, Place and Planet at Edith Cowan University (ECU), Western Australia. Her transdisciplinary research focuses on feminist knowledge production, anticolonial practices, and pedagogies addressing environmental crises and social inequities. Blaise holds a Doctor of Education (1999) from the United States and has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Texas, Austin, and The Education University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include experimental pedagogies for the Anthropocene, queer theory, postdevelopmentalism, and multi-species ethnography. She leads major projects like the ARC Discovery Project on 'Understanding and Addressing Everyday Sexisms in Australian Universities' and collaborates internationally through collectives such as #FEAS (Feminist Educators Against Sexism), which won the 2023-2025 AARE award. Blaise’s recent articles explore topics like regenerative sustainability education, feminist postdevelopmental lexicons, and ecological grief in childhood. Her work often bridges early childhood education with environmental humanities, emphasizing ethical relations with non-human worlds. Grants include funding from the ARC, Healthway, and philanthropic foundations for projects on climate justice, Indigenous knowledge transfer, and anti-sexism initiatives. Professional associations: AARE, AERA, Gender and Education Association Research supervision: Over 15 completed PhD/MEd projects focusing on gender, ecology, and pedagogy Labs/teams: Director of ECU’s strategic research centre; co-founder of Common Worlds Research Collective and The Ediths
Professor Peta Mitchell is a leading scholar in digital media and geographies at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she holds a Professorship in the School of Communication and the Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC). She leads the Urban Media and Digital Geographies Research Group and serves as Director of Research Training for QUT's Faculty of Creative Industries, Education, and Social Justice. In 2023, Professor Mitchell was appointed to serve a three-year term on the Australian Research Council's College of Experts, recognizing her significant contributions to research in digital media and geographies. Professor Mitchell earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Queensland. Her academic journey has established her as a prominent voice in the interdisciplinary field bridging geography, media studies, and digital culture. She has received prestigious fellowships including a Vice Chancellor's Research Fellowship from QUT (2014-2018) and a visiting fellowship from the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh (2009). Professor Mitchell's research explores the complex connections among space, place, society, and the digital. Her work focuses on digital and media geographies, everyday digital and data cultures, digital inclusion, and network contagion. She has made significant contributions to understanding how digital technologies reshape our relationship with space and place, particularly in urban environments. Her research examines how location-aware technologies influence social dynamics, cultural practices, and power relations, with particular attention to issues of inclusion, privacy, and justice in digital contexts. Professor Mitchell has investigated how digital media practices shape experiences of belonging, particularly among marginalized communities, and how geospatial data is produced, circulated, and contested in contemporary society. Her extensive publication record reveals a trajectory of increasingly interdisciplinary work that bridges humanities, social sciences, and spatial sciences. Recent publications show a growing focus on the intersection of digital technologies with environmental concerns, multispecies justice, and urban governance. Professor Mitchell's work has evolved to address emerging challenges related to generative AI, smart city technologies, and the ethical implications of location-aware applications. Her research consistently engages with questions of power, equity, and social justice in digital spaces, making significant contributions to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in the field. Vice Chancellor's Research Fellowship, Queensland University of Technology (2014-2018) Faculty research fellowship, Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies, University of Queensland Visiting fellowship, Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), University of Edinburgh (2009) Professor Mitchell has successfully supervised numerous doctoral students whose research explores diverse aspects of digital media and geographies. Her current and former students have investigated topics including smart urban governance, digital privacy, diaspora media practices, digital inclusion, and the cultural dimensions of location-based technologies. She has secured substantial research funding through competitive grants, including multiple ARC Discovery and Linkage Projects. Her current projects include "Generative AI and the Future of Academic Writing and Publishing" (2025-2028) and "Promoting Low-Income Parents' Digital Media Literacies" (2025-2028), demonstrating her ongoing commitment to addressing pressing contemporary issues at the intersection of technology, society, and space. As leader of the Urban Media and Digital Geographies Research Group within QUT's Digital Media Research Centre, Professor Mitchell fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers examining how digital technologies reshape urban spaces and social relations. Her research group brings together scholars from geography, communication, design, computer science, and the humanities to investigate the spatial dimensions of digital culture. The group's work has particular relevance for understanding the implications of smart city technologies, location-aware applications, and digital inclusion initiatives in contemporary urban contexts.
Renee Crawford is an Associate Professor at Monash University’s School of Curriculum Teaching & Inclusive Education . With a career spanning higher education and secondary music teaching, she advocates for technology-integrated pedagogy and curriculum innovation. Her work bridges music education, teacher development, and sociological perspectives on educational inclusion.
Dr. Mahdi Sedighkia is a Research Fellow at The Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) and the Mathematical Sciences Institute (MSI). His research focuses on flood modeling, water resource management, climate change impacts, and the application of AI and GIS/RS techniques. He holds degrees in environmental and water resource engineering from the University of Tehran, Tarbiat Modares University, and James Cook University. Education: B.Eng: Environmental Engineering, University of Tehran M.Sc: Water Resource Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University PhD: Environmental Engineering, James Cook University Research Interests: Flood/river hydraulic modeling and damage assessment AI and fuzzy systems in water resources management Climate change impact on ecosystems and water resources RS/GIS applications in hydrology and ecology Collaborations and Projects: Conserving floodplains to mitigate flood risk (2025–2028) Community-driven flood resilience initiatives (2022–2025) Groups: Extreme Events, Water and Flooding, Risk Resilience Publications: Focus on integrated modeling, reservoir optimization, and environmental flow assessment in river systems.
Petra T. Buergelt is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Health. She holds affiliate roles at the UC Health Research Institute, HEAL Global Research Centre, and Joint Centre for Disaster Research (Massey University, NZ). A transdisciplinary scholar, her work bridges Indigenous knowledge systems with Western paradigms, focusing on disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and cultural revitalization. She has led over $10.32M in grants, including the NAIDOC award-winning Dharray Manymakkuŋ Energy Efficiency Project. Education: PhD (Massey University, 2011) Master (1st Class Honours, Massey University, 2004) Bachelor (Psychology, Massey University, 2001) Bachelor (Horticulture, Dresden-Pillnitz, 1993) Research Interests: Her research employs Indigenist participatory action research to explore resilience, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation in remote Indigenous communities. Notable projects include the Waka Ngurrkanhayngu initiative with Yolŋu clan leaders in Australia and Taiwanese Indigenous communities. Teaching & Leadership: She leads the Psychology Indigenising Curriculum Team, redesigning curricula to incorporate Indigenous epistemologies. Her teaching spans Health Psychology, Qualitative Research, and Cross-cultural Competence workshops. Awards & Recognition: UC Faculty of Health Outstanding Early Career Researcher (2021) Indigenization of the Curriculum Award (2023) Sylff Fellow (Tokyo Foundation, 2011–present) Grants & Partnerships: $9.12M Manymak Energy Efficiency Project (2013–2016) $219,770 Waka Ngurrkanhayngu project (2021–2024) Collaborations with ANU, CDU, and international institutions Labs & Teams: Co-founder of the Group of Energy Efficient Researchers (GEER) Australia and leadership roles in the International Transformative Learning Association (ITLA).
David Caldwell is an Associate Professor at the School of Education within UniSA Education Futures at the University of South Australia. His research focuses on transdisciplinary learning, particularly in the context of ecojustice and place-based education. He co-led the Fresh Water Literacies project, funded by UniSA's Research Themes Investment Scheme, which developed interdisciplinary curricula to address sustainability and ecological literacy in primary education. His work often bridges education, environmental science, and social semiotics. Key contributions include publications on pre-service teacher training, linguistic analysis in sports discourse, and innovative pedagogical approaches in diverse educational settings. He collaborates with regional organizations like Natural Resources Management (NRM) and emphasizes collaborative, transdisciplinary research. His recent work explores NLP applications in creativity assessment and the role of language in shaping cultural identities. David also serves as a Research Degree Supervisor, contributing to the academic development of emerging scholars in education and linguistics. His research highlights intersections between education, ecology, and cultural systems, aiming to foster socially just and scientifically literate communities.
Professor Andrew Singleton is a leading sociologist at Deakin University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences , with expertise in religion, spirituality, and social research methodologies. His career spans over two decades at Deakin, where he has held progressively senior roles since 2000. Education: PhD in Sociology from Monash University (2000) Research Interests include: Spirituality in contemporary society New Religious Movements (particularly Spiritualism) Global Christianity and secularisation Quantitative and qualitative methods Research Trends show extensive work on Australian teen spirituality, Holocaust education impacts, marine conservation policy, and historical religious studies. His 2024 article on marine protected areas revealed majority Australian support for expanding ocean protections. Scientific Awards include multiple teaching accolades, though specific prizes aren't listed in the source material. Supervision covers diverse topics like neurodivergent birthing experiences, church hurt recovery, and honor-based violence support. He has taught sociology of religion and methods courses. Grants include Australian Research Council funding for Holocaust education studies ($305k+) and spiritual wellness research ($420k+), plus DFAT Korea Foundation support ($39k).
Dr Charlotte Kessler is a transdisciplinary Design Researcher and Lecturer in Design at The University of Queensland's School of Architecture, Design and Planning, where she also serves as Deputy Director (Teaching & Learning). She holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology (2022) and has advanced qualifications in Product & Service Design (France) and Design Futures (Griffith University). Her work focuses on sustainability-centered design education, curriculum development, and the role of design in addressing global challenges. Research Interests: Design for Sustainable Futures Design Pedagogy and Curriculum Innovation Climate Literacy in Architecture and Design Education Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Higher Education Recent publications explore sustainability curriculum frameworks, climate literacy among architects, and inclusive spatial design practices. She has contributed to significant projects including the Climate Action in Australian Architectural Practice survey and the Architecture Climate Futures initiative. Her teaching innovations include award-winning courses like Impact Lab 3 Studio - Planet and Spatial History Unit, recognized for transformative learning approaches.
Dr. Elisa Palazzo is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) within the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. With a PhD in urban design, regional and environmental planning, she has extensive international teaching experience at universities in Italy, China, and Australia. Her professional background includes over 20 years as a registered landscape architect, architect, and urbanist, with significant project experience across Europe, the Middle East, China, and Australia. Her research focuses on adaptive and regenerative urban design, particularly water-sensitive cities and flood adaptation strategies in urban and rural systems. She explores biocultural diversity, landscape ecology, and transdisciplinary approaches to address environmental change. Her work bridges landscape architecture with urban design to create more resilient and environmentally sound cities. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on practical applications of urban resilience, with particular attention to flood adaptation strategies, biocultural landscape assessment, and the implementation of water-sensitive urban design principles globally. Her research shows an increasing focus on transdisciplinary approaches that integrate community engagement with technical solutions. Banksia Sustainability Award 2020 (Academia and Research category) Place Leadership Award 2019 Learning & Teaching Award 2020 Executive Dean's award for excellence in teaching 2017 Peter Joseph Lenné Preis (1999) Multiple EUROPAN first prizes (1996, 1999) Dr. Palazzo has successfully supervised three PhD students and one Post-Doc to completion since 2015/2016 and currently supervises research in adaptive urban design, water resilience, and post-mining site regeneration. She has secured significant research funding including a $0.94 million MYER Foundation grant (2018-2020) and multiple Category 2 and 3 grants totaling $196,000 (2015-2024). She actively contributes to cultural landscape heritage work, serving as co-convenor of the Australia ICOMOS National Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes and Cultural Routes, and as co-author of the Burra Charter Practice Note on Cultural Landscapes. Her professional practice includes 38 built projects that have received 29 awards, including 11 first prizes.
