Dr. Edward Wei is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney Business School's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), where he has been since 2018. His work focuses on transport modeling, urban mobility, and policy analysis, with an emphasis on post-pandemic commuting patterns and sustainable transport initiatives. He holds a PhD from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), an MBus from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and a BEc from UIBE in China. Dr. Wei's research explores the intersection of work arrangements (e.g., hybrid work, flexi-time) and their impacts on transportation demand, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. His recent projects include developing state-wide transport models, analyzing micro-mobility adoption, and assessing the role of non-traditional mobility service providers in MaaS frameworks. Key areas of expertise include discrete choice modeling, transport demand forecasting, and policy evaluation. His publications span over 30 peer-reviewed articles, with recent contributions emphasizing post-pandemic commuting behavior, zero-emission truck transitions, and sustainable university travel strategies. His academic contributions bridge theoretical transport economics with practical policy applications, addressing challenges such as car tolling regimes, public transport patronage optimization, and the integration of remote work patterns into urban planning frameworks.
Deborah Richards is a Professor in the School of Computing at Macquarie University, affiliated with the Ethics and Agency Research Centre, Performance and Expertise Research Centre, and Frontier AI Research Centre. She holds roles as Industry and External Relations Director for the School and Director of the Virtual Reality Lab. Her research focuses on Intelligent Virtual Agents, Virtual Reality applications in education and health, knowledge acquisition, and cybersecurity ethics. She has authored over 425 publications and led 19 research projects, including studies on AI in healthcare and ethical AI design. Education: PhD (Artificial Intelligence, Macquarie University), MAppSc (Information Studies), BBus (Computing and MIS), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Leadership and Management). She advises on PhD and MRes students in Intelligent Virtual Agents research. Research interests include virtual agents for health behavior change, AI ethics, and educational technology. Notable projects include the eADVICE web-based management system for urinary incontinence and the development of embodied conversational agents for wellbeing support. Awards include the ABC Science Media Fellowship (2005) and Vice-Chancellor’s Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2017). Grants and collaborations span health informatics, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. She co-leads initiatives like the Respectful Maternity Care study and the Virtual Reality Lab’s immersive learning environments. Future work emphasizes ethical AI integration in education and healthcare.
Matteo Bonotti is an Associate Professor of Politics & International Relations at Monash University, previously teaching at Cardiff University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on democratic theory, political liberalism, linguistic justice, free speech, civility, and food justice, addressing ethical pluralism and cultural diversity in modern societies. He has published in journals like the American Political Science Review and authored/co-authored books including Partisanship and Political Liberalism in Diverse Societies (Oxford UP, 2017) and Healthy Eating Policy and Political Philosophy: A Public Reason Approach (Oxford UP, 2022). Bonotti leads projects on disinformation in Southeast Asia, linguistic justice among Italian-Australians, and civic education. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to justice, peace, and sustainable consumption. Education: Previous academic roles at Cardiff, Queen’s Belfast, and Edinburgh universities. Research Themes: Ethical pluralism, democratic legitimacy, public reason, and policy narratives. Recent Projects: ASEAN Disinformation Index, Language & Political Participation in Australia, and Civic Virtue in Polarized Societies. His articles explore topics like civility in environmental politics, far-right network dynamics, and gastrospaces as ethical spaces. Collaborations span international scholars across political theory, sociology, and philosophy. Bonotti actively engages with public discourse through media commentaries on civility, pandemic narratives, and free speech debates.
Neil Selwyn is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at Monash University with over 30 years of research experience focusing on the integration of digital technology into educational settings. His work centers on the 'real-life' constraints and problems faced when implementing technology-based education, with expertise in AI, automation, data-driven education, and digital degrowth. His primary research interests span digital technology and society, the use of digital technologies in educational settings, digital sociology of education, and environmental sustainability issues associated with digital technology use. Professor Selwyn is recognized internationally for his critical approach to educational technology and has led numerous nationally-funded projects examining educational data, learning analytics, and AI technologies. His recent publications reflect a growing focus on the environmental implications of AI in education, digital degrowth, and the practical challenges teachers face when implementing AI tools in classrooms. This work demonstrates a shift toward examining the sustainability and ethical dimensions of educational technology. Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia (2024) Professor Selwyn serves as a media commentator for major outlets including the NYT, WSJ, CNN, Guardian, BBC, and ABC, and hosts the 'Education Technology Society' podcast. He maintains significant international collaborations, currently holding visiting positions at Lund University (2025), University of Oxford (2023-2027), and previously at the University of Gothenburg (2016-2017).
Associate Professor Joyce Nip is a member of the University of Sydney's Discipline of Media and Communications and Department of Chinese Studies. Her research focuses on media dynamics in Chinese societies, particularly the political and social implications of digital platforms like social media. She has held visiting roles at the University of Hong Kong and the University of Maryland, and received the 2020 Taiwan Fellowship. Education and Professional Background: Joyce has over 20 years of experience in journalism, teaching, and research. She was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Maryland (2004–2005) and has held academic roles in Hong Kong before joining the University of Sydney in 2010. Research Interests: Her work spans journalism studies, civic media use, and diasporic Chinese communities. Current projects include studies on online public opinion in Greater China and China’s external news communication strategies. Grants and Awards: Joyce has secured grants from the Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for projects on Chinese social media and public opinion. Her 2020 Taiwan Fellowship reflects her expertise in cross-strait communication. Teaching and Supervision: She teaches courses on Chinese media in global contexts and supervises research on topics like Taiwanese public communication and diasporic media. Past students include Liang Xia (PhD) and Weiwei Xu (PhD). Labs and Collaborations: Joyce contributes to the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and serves on editorial boards for Asian Journal of Communication , Digital Journalism , and Journalism Practice .
Dr. Farha Sattar is a Lecturer in Education (Mathematics) at the Faculty of Arts and Society, Charles Darwin University. With over thirty years of teaching experience in Mathematics, Science education, GIS, Remote Sensing, and e-Learning technologies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Dr. Sattar brings extensive expertise to her academic role. She holds a PhD in Geospatial Science from Charles Darwin University, focusing on Spatial Mathematical Modelling for 3D Gully Mapping and Erosion Quantification. Her educational background includes: PhD in Geospatial Science (Three Dimensional Gully Mapping and Erosion Quantification within a Geoinformatics Framework), Charles Darwin University (2012) Prior academic experience at several Asian and European universities Dr. Sattar's research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with a strong focus on the intersection of education and technology. Her primary research interests include Mathematics Education, STEM Education, Geoscience Education, Spatial Mathematical Modelling, Drone Technology, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Innovative Pedagogies such as experiential learning and inquiry-based approaches. She has developed expertise in cognitive development, particularly in fostering critical and creative thinking skills through iSTEM approaches. An analysis of Dr. Sattar's recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward integrating emerging technologies like drones, augmented reality, and geospatial artificial intelligence into educational contexts. Her work demonstrates a progression from foundational geospatial research on erosion mapping to innovative applications in STEM education. Recent publications increasingly focus on drone technology for educational purposes, spatial data infrastructure for policy development, and computational thinking development through technology-enhanced learning. Dr. Sattar has received numerous accolades for her contributions to education and research: NT Science Week Awards – Inspired NT STEM Hero of the Year award (2021) Long Service Recognition Award (2023) Finalist, CDU Alumni Award (2023) Multiple Best Presentation Awards (2008, 2010, 2017) Australian College of Educators - 2021 College Medal Nominee As a supervisor, Dr. Sattar mentors postgraduate research students including Ayesha Farhan, who is working on "A Framework for Cognitive Development: Fostering Critical and Creative Thinking Skills, Using iSTEM Approach." She actively secures research funding through various projects such as "DBELaSTEM: Drone-Based Experiential Learning and STEM Education," "STEM_D & VR: Youth STEM Learning and Empowerment with Drones and VR," and "CodProg Drone Lab." Her research is supported by grants from NT Government projects and other external funding sources. Dr. Sattar leads the CodProg Drone Lab, an innovative research space exploring drone technology applications in education. She is a certified drone pilot and aeronautical radio operator, which enables her to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Her work with the "Flying Forward: Drones, STEM Equity, and Indigenous Empowerment" initiative demonstrates her commitment to community engagement and addressing educational disparities through technology.
Robert Wellington serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Art History & Art Theory at the School of Art & Design, Australian National University (ANU), within the College of Arts & Social Sciences. His academic leadership focuses on advancing art historical research and public engagement through institutional initiatives. His research spans Art History, Early Modern European Art (particularly Louis XIV's France), Museum Studies, Public Humanities, and Cultural Heritage. Wellington investigates transcultural object exchange, royal iconography, and identity construction through material culture, with emphasis on Versailles, medals, and marginalia. His work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary public humanities applications in museums and digital archives. Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals concentrated exploration of Louis XIV's cultural legacy, Versailles' global impact, and the evolving role of humanities institutions. He pioneers digital critical editions while examining how objects shape identity across cultural boundaries, consistently connecting historical practices to modern museum and archival challenges. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. As Centre Director, Wellington oversees research programs and institutional partnerships, though specific student advisees and grant details remain unlisted in available sources. His leadership facilitates interdisciplinary projects including the Jean-Benjamin de Laborde digital edition initiative. The Centre for Art History & Art Theory functions as a research hub under Wellington's direction, driving public humanities innovation through the ANU's Art & Design Seminar Series, Visiting Artist Program, and collaborative projects with national collections. Current initiatives focus on digital heritage and community-engaged scholarship within the School of Art & Design framework.
Tom van Laer is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Deputy Head of Discipline, Research at The University of Sydney Business School. He is globally recognized as the leading expert in storytelling and narrative persuasion, currently occupying the top position on Elsevier's SciVal top 100 list for the most-cited researchers in this domain. His academic journey includes a BA and MA from Nijmegen and a PhD from Maastricht University. Dr. van Laer's research explores storytelling, persuasion, and messaging through an interdisciplinary approach that bridges behavioral experiments, quantitative modeling, and interpretive research. His work spans narrative transportation theory, consumer reviews analysis, digital storytelling, and the psychological mechanisms behind how stories influence consumer behavior. He has developed influential frameworks including the Extended Transportation-Imagery Model and narrative agency theory, with particular expertise in analyzing how stories shape responses to climate change communications and social conflict narratives. His publication record features articles in the most prestigious academic journals including the Journal of Consumer Research (where he serves as Area Editor), Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Management Information Systems, and International Journal of Research in Marketing. His recent work shows a strong trend toward meta-analyses of narrative effects, climate change communication, and the psychological mechanisms of 'bleed' between fictional experiences and real-world behavior. Dr. van Laer is an active media commentator whose research has garnered extensive global coverage across Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, including national television and radio interviews. His media engagement focuses on storytelling in political campaigns, social media marketing, and the psychological impact of narratives in consumer contexts. He teaches MKTG3121 Advertising: Persuasive Principles and MKTG6006 Persuasive Advertising: Illuminating Dark Art, and has received recognition for both research and teaching excellence. His professional affiliations include the Association for Consumer Research, Australian Marketing Institute, Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy, and International Society for the Study of Narrative. Dr. van Laer is a member of several university research centers including the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, Sydney Environment Institute, and Charles Perkins Centre, where he contributes his expertise in narrative persuasion to interdisciplinary research on societal challenges.
Associate Professor Mohsen Kalantari is a Geospatial Engineering academic at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , with concurrent roles as co-founder of the startup Faramoon . His career spans roles at the University of Melbourne's Department of Infrastructure Engineering and Victorian government's land administration initiatives through DELWP. Education : PhD in Geomatics Engineering (2008, University of Melbourne), Master of GIS Engineering (2004), Bachelor of Surveying Engineering (2001) His research bridges geospatial engineering with construction automation , focusing on 3D cadastre , BIM-GIS integration , and smart cities . Recent publications show trends in underground land administration , digital twins , and LADM standard implementations . Scientific Awards : National educational recognition (2019), Victorian educational grants (2018), and prestigious fellowships (2012) As a supervisor , he guides PhD candidates in topics ranging from BIM for waste management to underground cadastral systems . His industry engagement includes partnerships with the United Nations , Open Geospatial Consortium , and Singapore Land Authority .
Lisa L. Wynn is Professor in the School of Social Sciences (Discipline of Anthropology) at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. She serves as Associate Editor of American Ethnologist (2022-2027) and previously held leadership positions including President of the Australian Anthropological Society (2020) and membership on the AAS Executive Committee (2018-2021). Wynn earned her PhD in 2003 from Princeton University's Anthropology Department, followed by postdoctoral positions at Princeton's Office of Population Research and Center for Health and Wellbeing. Her research program centers on gender, reproductive health technologies, sexuality, and religion, with continuous fieldwork in Egypt since 1998. More recently, she has expanded her work to examine ethics review bureaucracies, lay understandings of infectious disease, and young adult vaping behaviors in Australia. Her methodological approach combines deep ethnographic engagement with critical analysis of how power structures intersect with medical technologies and bodily experiences, particularly among marginalized communities. Analysis of her recent publications reveals an evolving trajectory that maintains her foundational interest in Middle Eastern contexts while increasingly addressing digital spaces (as seen in studies of online fatwas) and contemporary health crises (including pandemic responses and vaping culture), with consistent attention to bodily autonomy and reproductive justice. Her significant scholarly contributions have been recognized through multiple prestigious awards: Vice Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award from Macquarie University (2009) Australian Award for Teaching Excellence (2012) OLT National Teaching Fellowship (2012-2014) Leeds Honor Prize from the Society for Urban, National, and Transnational/Global Anthropology (2008) Wynn actively mentors graduate researchers specializing in gender, sexuality, medicine and technology, with particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health. Her research program has received substantial funding from the Social Science Research Council, Australian Research Council, Office of Learning and Teaching, and Hort Innovation. Notably, she co-led a major international project to develop multilingual sexual and reproductive health resources that have reached millions of users across 208 countries. She also created a free online ethics training program for humanities and social sciences researchers at Macquarie University. Through collaborations with Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants and other partners, Wynn has successfully translated academic research into accessible public resources, including evidence-based information on medication abortion available in six languages (English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Turkish, and Farsi).
Dr. Alyas Widita is an Assistant Professor in the Urban Design program at Monash University, Indonesia. He is actively involved in research and teaching, focusing on urban planning, transportation, and smart city technologies. He serves as the Program Coordinator for Urban Design and teaches courses such as Urban Design Studio: Smart City and Smart City Technologies. Education: Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States Dr. Widita's research centers on the built environment, transportation systems, and urban analytics, with a strong emphasis on developing Asian cities. His work explores congestion impacts of mass transit, ride-hailing effects on vehicle ownership, rural-urban migration, walking behavior, and spatial patterns of MSMEs. He employs advanced data analytics and causal evaluation methods to inform urban policy. His recent publications span high-impact journals such as Transport Reviews , Journal of Planning Education and Research , and Travel Behaviour and Society . The research trend shows a consistent focus on data-driven urban policy, sustainable mobility, and equity in urban development across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Scientific Awards and Recognition: No specific awards listed, but research widely cited and featured in media outlets. Dr. Widita has secured and contributed to multiple research projects funded by international and national agencies, including the World Bank, Korea Transport Institute (KOTI), Central Bank of Indonesia, and Georgia Department of Transportation. He is currently leading or co-leading projects on Jakarta’s subsidence, flood risk management using remote sensing, and the Citarum River revitalization. He collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines and institutions. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities. He is accepting PhD students interested in the built environment, transportation, and urban analytics in developing Asia. He is involved in key labs and research teams including the Citarum Action Research Program (CARP), Intelligent and Dynamic Remote Sensing for Flood Risk, and interdisciplinary urban analytics initiatives at Monash Indonesia.
Professor Will Bateman is a distinguished academic at the Australian National University (ANU) College of Law, where he serves as a Professor and recently completed his term as Associate Dean (Research) from 2021 to 2024. He is also a Chief Investigator for the ANU Grand Challenge project "Humanising Machine Intelligence" and a Fellow at the Gradient Institute, a leading ethical AI research organization based in Sydney. Professor Bateman's educational background is impressive, having earned a PhD and LLM (Hons) from the University of Cambridge and a BA/LLB (Hons) from the Australian National University. Prior to his academic career, he worked in appellate litigation, commercial disputes, and banking as a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills, and served as an associate to Justice Stephen Gageler AC of the High Court of Australia and Justice Steven Rares of the Federal Court of Australia. Professor Bateman's research spans two major interdisciplinary domains that sit at the intersection of law with finance and technology. His work on financial regulation focuses on the legal aspects of central banking, sovereign debt markets, digital currencies, and sustainable investing. He has provided expert evidence to the UK Parliament's House of Lords Inquiry into Quantitative Easing, and has collaborated with major financial institutions including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Bank of England. His research on artificial intelligence examines regulatory frameworks for AI in the public sector, with collaborations including the Minderoo Foundation and the Gradient Institute. His recent publications demonstrate a remarkable breadth across legal theory, financial regulation, and AI governance. The articles reveal a consistent theme of examining how traditional legal frameworks adapt to new financial technologies and monetary policy challenges. His work bridges theoretical legal scholarship with practical policy implications, as evidenced by his numerous government consultations and collaborations with central banks worldwide. 2020 Yorke Prize by the University of Cambridge for his work on public finance and constitutionalism Top 10 all-time most downloaded SSRN paper on central banking ("Central Bank Money: Liability, Asset, or Equity of the Nation?") Professor Bateman actively supervises research students, currently mentoring Benjamin Ettinger who is pursuing a PhD on "Legal Method, Cartels and Public Monopolies: A View From the High Court 1908 - 1948." He has secured significant research funding, including projects funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (UK), the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), and The Minderoo Foundation. His "Rebuilding Macroeconomics Initiative: Legal and Economic Conceptions of Money" received £245,000, while the "FA Mann" project was funded with €620,000 (approximately A$1,012,500). He leads the "Humanising Machine Intelligence" project, an ambitious interdisciplinary initiative involving computer scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, and lawyers aimed at developing democratically legitimate machine intelligence. He also co-led a major project with the University of Western Australia to formulate model legal frameworks for AI regulation in the public sector, funded by The Minderoo Foundation.
Dr Luke Hespanhol is a Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning. He is affiliated with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and Sydney Nano Institute, and previously served as a guest researcher at Aarhus University's Department of Aesthetics and Communication. His work focuses on interactive media installations that foster reflection on human-environment relationships, blending urban design, technology, and social engagement. He holds a PhD in interactive media architecture from the University of Sydney's Design Lab, with research exploring user-centred hybrid urban environments. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his current interests in digital placemaking, urban informatics, and smart cities. Research Interests: - Designing technology-infused public spaces - Media architecture as a tool for inclusive urban development - Ethical implications of AI and blockchain in cultural contexts - Temporal and spatial dimensions of urban interaction design - HCI methodologies for multiperspectival cultural heritage interpretation - Antifragile city frameworks integrating citizen participation His recent publications highlight trends in reimagining urban futures through speculative design, ethical AI systems, and autonomous vehicle interaction paradigms. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his work often addresses critical societal issues like decolonization in technology and climate-resilient infrastructure. Grants and Collaborations: - 2025: 'Waste to Resilience: Sanitation Against Stunting and Climate Vulnerability in Informal Coastal Areas' (Sydney Southeast Asia Centre) - 2022: 'The Metaverse as Vehicle for Aboriginal Digital Inclusion, Wellness and Self-Determination' (Facebook Research) Dr Hespanhol is actively involved in the Media Architecture Institute and contributes to cross-disciplinary initiatives uniting technology, art, and urban planning. His research emphasizes co-creation processes with communities to ensure equitable technological integration in urban systems.
Steve Worthington is an Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship in Melbourne, Australia. Previously, he held a Professorship in Marketing at Monash University until 2013. His research focuses on financial services distribution via electronic channels, payment systems regulation, and cross-cultural financial practices. He has contributed extensively to academic journals such as the International Journal of Bank Marketing and practitioner outlets like The Financial Times and ANZ's BlueNotes . His work includes analyses of payment card markets in China and Japan, regulatory interventions in Australia's payment system, and expert testimony on financial services marketing disputes. Worthington's research interests span payment systems innovation, consumer behavior in financial contexts, and the intersection of technology with financial services. Notable contributions include studies on cashless society debates, payment fraud dynamics, and the cultural dimensions influencing financial product adoption. He frequently engages with industry conferences and media, offering insights into emerging trends like digital payment adoption and regulatory challenges in the financial sector. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, blending economic policy analysis with marketing strategy. Key themes include the societal implications of cash decline, fairness perceptions in financial services, and the ethical dimensions of payment technologies. Despite no explicit awards listed, his prolific media engagement and advisory roles reflect recognition of his expertise in payment systems and financial markets.
Associate Professor Nicole Hartley serves as MBA Director at UQ Business School and Future of Health Research Hub Lead at The University of Queensland. With 19 years of academic experience across institutions in Sydney and Queensland, she holds appointments across multiple faculties including Business, Economics and Law; Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences; and Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology. Her academic affiliations span the Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, Centre for Enterprise AI, and Queensland Digital Health Centre. Dr. Hartley is an internationally recognized research academic specializing in services marketing and digital technology. Her research interests encompass service technology, virtualized services, customer preference and adoption, new media, service innovation, and corporate digital responsibility. She particularly focuses on customer perceptions in response to technological disruption in service delivery, with special emphasis on healthcare services. Her work bridges business, technology, and healthcare domains, examining how digital transformation affects consumer behavior and service experiences. Her extensive publication record demonstrates consistent research output across multiple disciplines, with recent work concentrating on telehealth implementation, corporate digital responsibility, consumer trust in digital environments, and healthcare service innovation. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects marketing theory with practical healthcare applications, particularly in the context of digital transformation and service delivery. Dr. Hartley has successfully supervised numerous PhD candidates to completion and currently mentors several doctoral students working on topics ranging from sustainable consumption to healthcare innovation and digital service experiences. Her research has been supported by significant funding from Queensland Health, NHMRC, and other organizations, focusing on telehealth, digital service transformation, and healthcare innovation. As Director of MBA and Executive Education at UQ Business School, Dr. Hartley combines her academic expertise with practical industry experience, having previously worked as Marketing Manager/Director in tourism, education, and communication industries in Australia and the UK. She is an award-winning educator with expertise in marketing strategy, digital media, consumer behavior, and experiential industry-based projects.
