Figuring out what computers and AI can and cannot do, how they are trained on our data (including personal data!) and how this will affect us, is a pressing challenge. We need to understand the fundamental limitations and capabilities of machine learning, develop principled approaches to data privacy, and make sure nobody is left behind when it comes to accessing these new technologies.
Dr Canonne combines techniques from mathematics and computer science to develop ultra-fast algorithms for machine learning with rigorous guarantees: algorithms which can be run on personal data without revealing any sensitive information, algorithms which can be executed on very small and limited devices, or which can process massive amounts of data very quickly. He designs these algorithms and mathematically analyses their performance, so that we can be certain of what they do, and that we can trust their output.
Dr Jessica Allen is a senior lecturer at the University of Newcastle in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering. She is also an Australian Research Council fellow with research targeting energy technology development including innovations in sustainable materials for batteries, carbon capture and use, hydrogen energy and zero emission manufacturing for green steel and aluminium.
She leads the recently established the Electrochemical Engineering Laboratory at the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources where she works closely with industry to assist with solving emission and energy challenges. Dr Allen strives to provide the community with leadership and hope in addressing the climate crisis. From pre-schoolers to retirees, TikTok to Parliament House, her work in the community is making a difference in how people understand new critical technologies.
Professor Caleb Ferguson RN PhD is Professor of Nursing (Chronic & Complex Care) and Associate Head of School (Research Strategy, Development & Partnership) at the School of Nursing, University of Wollongong.
He is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and Academic Director of the Centre for Chronic & Complex Care Research, a collaboration between the University of Wollongong and Western Sydney Local Health District, where he leads a program of clinical research in chronic care, with a focus on cardiovascular disease, stroke and frailty.
He currently leads the NHMRC-funded INFORM-AF study and co-leads the Western Sydney Clinical Frailty Registry. He has published over 120 academic works and received over $12m as a chief investigator in competitive research funding.
Prof Ferguson is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing, European Society of Cardiology, and Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand (CSANZ), and Chair of the CSANZ Cardiovascular Nursing Council.
A/Prof Solntsev focuses on two significant challenges in today’s digital world. Firstly, the growing demand for faster and more efficient communication and computing systems, and secondly, the need for more secure data transfer methods.
His past and present work centres around the use of light to process and transmit information, as it can be faster, more efficient, and secure than traditional systems. Specifically, he is now working on the manipulation of individual light particles, or photons, in tiny structures to allow for even more advanced communication and computing capabilities.
The world must shift away from fossil fuels to reduce our impact on the planet. We need new engine technologies that increase fuel efficiency, reducing fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and ultimately to switch our engines to use clean fuels. Australia’s fuel security will depend on our ability to harness wind and solar energy to produce clean fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen and then efficiently use them in engines, requiring a precise mix of air and fuel at the right temperature and pressure.
A/Prof Salehi’s research focuses on the combustion of new fuels: how we can use them safely and burn them efficiently to maximise power while minimising emissions.
Using computational fluid dynamics techniques and machine learning algorithms, her team has developed predictive models that will help to develop new combustor designs for the transition from imported fossil fuels to locally produced carbon-free fuels.
Dr Murad Tayebjee, a senior lecturer and ARC Future Fellow in the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, was recognised for his work developing more efficient photovoltaic (solar) technology and his extensive public outreach in renewable energy education. Dr Tayebjee is world renowned for his work on ‘spin physics in singlet fission’, which involves developing molecules that can absorb sunlight more effectively. His work could increase the efficiency of solar energy conversion by 150 per cent, which would contribute to smaller, cheaper rooftop solar panels in future.
Dr Tayebjee is also a passionate educator, teaching high school and undergraduate students about sustainability. In collaboration with LionsHeart Studios, the creators of Playconomics, he developed PlayEnergy, a computer game that teaches students about renewable energy and sustainability. A highly effective tertiary education tool, it was also designed to give high school students a taste of university courses.
Neuroinflammation is a key driver of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Our limited ability to image and assess neuroinflammation in real patients, in real time, severely impedes our ability to accurately diagnose and treat these disorders and obstructs development of novel therapeutics.
Dr Danon’s team develops new molecules for studying neuroinflammation in living organisms, including human patients, using an imaging technique called positron emission tomography. Their ultimate goals are to develop safe diagnostic drugs that can help to decode how neuroinflammation drives neurodegeneration and use this information to develop novel strategies to treat it.
Today there are more young people alive than at any other point in history – 1.8 billion. Yet, our modern, digitally reliant societies present unique challenges for young people to consume a healthful, well-balanced diet or engage in sufficient physical activity. Dr Partridge’s research prioritises their right to good health in the digital age.
Dr Stephanie Partridge collaborates with young people and leads a multidisciplinary team with a vision to minimise harm and harness the benefits of digital technologies to improve adolescents’ lifestyle behaviours. She is conducting studies to understand how the rapid growth in meal delivery apps affects how young people access and consume food. She is also working with government and community groups to develop digital health programs to improve young people’s health. Most importantly, Dr Partridge is working with adolescents to conduct all of her research and deliver research that is important to them.
Dr Rose Cairns has been awarded AIPS NSW 2023 Young Tall Poppy of the Year! She is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy at The University of Sydney. Dr Cairns is also the Director of Research at the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre. She is a practicing poisons information specialist, providing emergency poisoning advice to healthcare professionals and members of the public.
Her research focuses on poisoning, medicines safety, and suicide prevention. Her work uses clinical datasets to evaluate policy interventions and to identify emerging poisoning threats to the community. She is regularly interviewed by the media about her research and other poisoning and drug safety matters. She has written several invited pieces for The Conversation.
Dr Cairns is a minister appointed member on the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling (TGA ACCS), providing toxicology advice to the government to inform accessibility of poisons. She has also been involved in state and federal government consultations impacting medicines and chemicals legislation.
Every reef worldwide is losing corals faster than they can naturally replenish. Healthy reefs sustain 7,000+ marine species, provide billions of dollars in economic value, protect coastlines, and are an important source for new medicines. Yet, coral health is rapidly declining due to environmental stressors. Preserving and restoring coral reefs is crucial to maintain the countless benefits they provide to marine life and human society.
Corals, like any living organism, need optimal nutrition for survival, especially in the face of environmental challenges.
Dr. Jennifer Matthews uses a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating chemistry, nanotechnology, marine biology, and ecology to discover the best nutrition for corals to thrive and survive. Her ground-breaking work involves innovative nanodelivery of supplements to bolster corals when they are most vulnerable – during times of extreme environmental stress, and as babies.
By collaborating closely with key industries and stakeholders, Dr. Matthews ensures her research outputs directly address real-world problems and have a tangible impact on coral reef conservation efforts.
Click here to read more about our AIPS 2023 Tall Poppy Winners.
