Mission
What we are here to do
To advance AI research, education, responsible innovation and professional practice in Australia through an independent scientific and professional community.
Vision
The future we support
An Australian AI community in which research, education and professional practice advance in ways that are responsible, safe, ethical, transparent, accountable, inclusive and human-centred.
What we stand for
Principles that guide our work
AUAI's public work is grounded in responsible practice, evidence and service to the wider Australian community.
- 01Responsible and safe
- 02Ethical and transparent
- 03Accountable and human-centred
- 04Inclusive and beneficial to society
- 05Evidence-led and independent
Governance & Independence
Independent by design
The Australian AI Society is a not-for-profit organisation. It is independent and non-partisan, and its activities are guided by its Constitution and applicable policies. AUAI does not represent the commercial interests of a particular vendor, political party, or technology provider.
Leadership
Executive team
CEO
Dr John Pirozmand
Dr John Pirozmand is CEO of the Australian Artificial Intelligence Society (AUAI) and an Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Software Engineering specialist with more than 25 years of experience across academia, industry, and technology leadership. He holds a PhD in Computer Software and Theory and has worked internationally. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, optimisation, cloud computing, big data analytics, cybersecurity, software engineering, and the Internet of Things. Beyond academia, Dr Poria has contributed to AI consulting, digital transformation, and software project management. Through AUAI, he works to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, advance knowledge exchange in emerging technologies, and contribute to initiatives that support the strategic and responsible development of artificial intelligence in Australia.
President
Professor Amir Masoud Rahmani
Professor Amir Masoud Rahmani is President of the Australian Artificial Intelligence Society (AUAI) and a highly accomplished Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing specialist with more than 20 years of industry and academic experience. Ranked among the world’s top 1% of scientists, he has developed AI-driven solutions across energy, healthcare, banking, transportation, telecommunications, cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity. His expertise spans deep learning, optimisation, algorithm development, the Internet of Things and secure systems. At AUAI, he helps industries identify high-value AI opportunities and develop responsible, secure and practical solutions that deliver measurable operational and business outcomes.
Chair of Academic
Professor Luke Bozzetto
Associate Professor Luke Bozzetto is Executive Dean at SHEA and a leader in AI, higher education and digital transformation, with more than 15 years of experience across academia and governance. He holds a PhD in Computational Astrophysics and has led curriculum innovation, accreditation and strategy across Australian higher education. His work focuses on the responsible integration of AI into education, authentic assessment, learning assurance and the future of higher education. He has led institutional initiatives in GenAI governance, assessment redesign and digital transformation. He is Editor of the International Journal of Employment Studies and President of the Asia Pacific Engaged Research Association. At the Australian AI Society, Luke is committed to strengthening collaboration between education and industry, supporting AI capability development, and ensuring Australia develops graduates and professionals equipped to thrive in an AI-enabled future.
Vice President
Dr Babak Amiri
Dr Babak Amiri is Vice President of the Australian Artificial Intelligence Society (AUAI) and an AI transformation specialist with more than 15 years of experience across academia and industry. He holds a PhD in Information Technology from the University of Sydney. Beyond academia, Dr Amiri works with organisations on AI adoption, digital transformation, and translating emerging technologies into operational capability. His focus is on moving organisations beyond experimentation toward scalable, governed, and commercially relevant AI systems aligned with business strategy. Through AUAI, he contributes to industry engagement and strategic partnerships connecting research, education, government, and industry, with a focus on responsible AI adoption and practical solutions that improve productivity, decision-making, service delivery, and organisational performance.
Distinguished Fellow & Academic Advisory Council Member
Professor Sam Kirshner
Sam Kirshner is an Associate Professor and Head of School of Information Systems and Technology Management at the UNSW Business School. Sam completed his PhD in Management Science at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. His primary research interests lie in analysing behavioural decision-making in operations and technology management and studying how algorithms and artificial intelligence impact and and make decisions. His research and commentaries have been published in prestigious academic journals, including Management Science, Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, Decision Sciences, Service Science, and Science. Sam is a Regional Editor for the Journal of Supply Chain Management and an Associate Editor at Decision Sciences and Service Science. He is also the co-author of two books, a textbook entitled Business Analytics: A Management Approach and a book on responsible AI called Checkmate Humanity: The How and Why of Responsible AI.
Distinguished Fellow & Academic Advisory Council Member
Professor Bamini Gopinath
Professor Bamini Gopinath is a Distinguished Fellow and member of the Academic Advisory Council of the Australian AI Society. She is the inaugural Cochlear Chair in Hearing and Health at Macquarie University, where she leads the Public Health and Policy Pillar of MU Hearing. An epidemiologist, her research uses large population datasets to examine the health determinants and outcomes of sensory loss and disability. Her work focuses on preventing hearing loss, supporting early intervention and improving access to hearing services and rehabilitation. She has co-authored over 275 peer-reviewed papers and works to translate findings into health policy and practice to address gaps in Australian healthcare. Her projects include data analytics for hearing health, digital literacy for older adults with sensory loss and online support for people with hearing loss. She brings expertise in public health, policy and data analysis to AUAI's discussions on responsible and inclusive AI in healthcare.
Distinguished Fellow & Academic Advisory Council Member
Professor Manoranjan Paul
Professor Manoranjan Paul is a Distinguished Fellow and member of the Academic Advisory Council at the Australian AI Society. A Professor of Computer Science, he directs the Computer Vision Lab and leads the Machine Vision and Digital Health Research Group at Charles Sturt University. His research spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, image and video processing, digital health, eye tracking, EEG analysis, medical imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and precision agriculture. Professor Paul has published around 200 refereed works, including more than 70 journal articles, supervised 16 PhD candidates, and secured A$3.6 million in external funding. He has received the ICT Researcher of the Year and ACS Golden Disruptor awards. A Senior Member of IEEE and ACS, he contributes as an editor, keynote speaker, and research mentor. Through AUAI, he provides guidance and supports responsible, impactful AI research, education, collaboration, and innovation across Australia.
Distinguished Fellow & Academic Advisory Council Member
Professor Jimmy Cao
Professor Jimmy Cao is a Distinguished Fellow and member of the Academic Advisory Council of the Australian AI Society. He is an ARC DECRA Fellow and Enterprise Fellow in AI at Adelaide University, where he leads the Human-Agent Interaction and Learning Research Group. His research develops reinforcement-learning methods spanning human-agent collaboration, single-agent learning, multi-agent systems, foundation models, and brain-computer interfaces. His work advances large language model reasoning, sequential decision-making, transport and space systems, and clinical applications using EEG signals. Professor Cao has received an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award, JSPS Invitation Fellowship, inaugural UniSA Enterprise Fellowship, and STEM Mid-Career Researcher Award. He also serves on journal editorial boards. Through AUAI, he offers strategic guidance and supports responsible AI research, industry translation, education, collaboration, and innovation across Australia.
Distinguished Fellow & Academic Advisory Council Member
Professor Michael Jetter
Professor Michael Jetter is a Distinguished Fellow and member of the Academic Advisory Council of the Australian AI Society. An economist at the University of Western Australia, he holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Memphis and previously served as Assistant and Full Professor at Universidad EAFIT in Colombia. His research spans political economy, public economics, behavioural economics, conflict, civil war, political violence, polarisation, morality, corruption, and gender differences. Michael applies causal inference, econometrics, and text-to-data methods to understand social and economic challenges and identify effective responses. He has contributed as an expert and reviewer to AI training projects involving frontier econometric techniques. A Humboldt Research Fellow, IZA Research Fellow, and ifo Research Affiliate, he brings a global perspective to AUAI, supporting informed discussion of how AI may shape economies, organisations, public policy, and society.
Distinguished Fellow & Academic Advisory Council Member
Professor Ray da Silva Rosa
Professor Ray da Silva Rosa is a Distinguished Fellow and member of the Academic Advisory Council of the Australian AI Society. A Professor of Finance at the University of Western Australia, he is an expert researcher, educator, leader, director, and adviser. His research focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, behavioural finance, capital markets, directors, and business networks in capital raising. He has published widely, secured Australian Research Council and industry funding, and provided expert evidence in corporate-control disputes. Ray has taught at UWA, Melbourne Business School, the University of Sydney, and New York University's Stern School of Business. His leadership includes service on the UWA Senate and Academic Council, and as former president of AFAANZ. Through AUAI, he contributes expertise in finance, governance, investment behaviour, and decision-making to discussions on the responsible use and economic impact of artificial intelligence.
Distinguished Fellow & Academic Advisory Council Member
Professor Daniel Gozman
Associate Professor Daniel Gozman is a Distinguished Fellow and member of the Academic Advisory Council of the Australian AI Society. He is an Associate Professor of Business Information Systems at the University of Sydney Business School and serves on the leadership team of its Centre for AI, Trust and Governance. He holds a PhD from the London School of Economics and previously worked at Accenture and Deloitte. His research examines how AI, emerging technology and regulation reshape financial services and digital innovation, with expertise in FinTech, Open Banking, digital payments, RegTech and blockchain. Daniel collaborates with financial institutions, technology firms and regulators, and serves on Standards Australia's AI and blockchain committees. He is Senior Editor of the Journal of Information Technology and Associate Editor of the Information Systems Journal. He received the AIS Mid-Career Award in 2024 and brings expertise in technology governance and responsible AI to AUAI.
Director of Industry Engagement
Dr Amin Zarrabian
Dr Amin Zarrabian is the Director of Industry Engagement at the Australian AI Society, a Senior Member of IEEE, and holds a PhD from the Australian National University. He currently works at Telstra in automation and artificial intelligence, with experience spanning data privacy, telecommunications, research, and higher education. Amin is passionate about applying AI responsibly and practically to address real-world challenges and drive innovation. In his role at the Australian AI Society, he builds relationships with organisations and supports businesses throughout their AI adoption and transformation journeys. He is particularly focused on strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, and the broader technology community while contributing to the growth of Australia’s AI ecosystem.
Director of Student Engagement
Sofia Kartavtseva
Sofia Kartavtseva is the Director of Student Engagement at the Australian AI Society, where she supports initiatives that strengthen student participation, professional development, and engagement with Australia’s AI community. She is an academic and learning support professional with experience in student engagement, academic skills development, career readiness, and student voice in higher education. Sofia holds a Master’s by Research in Philosophy and Critical Theory from UNSW Sydney. Her interests include ethics, critical thinking, technology, education, and student partnership, with a focus on the role of AI in learning. She is committed to creating inclusive, intellectually engaging environments that empower students to become confident, reflective, and responsible professionals.
Recognition
Fellows and Distinguished Members
Academic Fellow
Dr Atie Kia
Dr Atie Kia is a Lecturer in Computing Technologies and Major Discipline Coordinator for Games Development at Swinburne University of Technology. She holds a PhD in Engineering (Machine Learning and Data Science) from the University of Melbourne. She has expertise in generative AI, machine learning, knowledge graphs, human-centred AI, and Sustainable Development Goals prioritisation. Her research focuses on AI for social good, with an emphasis on developing inclusive technologies and intelligent decision-support systems. She also serves as an AI Champion, Change Champion and Entrepreneurship Champion at Swinburne University of Technology.
Academic Fellow
Professor Md Farhad Hossain
Professor Md Farhad Hossain is an Academic Fellow of the Australian AI Society and researcher in AI-driven networked systems. At the University of Canberra, he is Capability Lead for Network Engineering and Cybersecurity. He holds a PhD in Wireless Networking from the University of Sydney and degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. His research applies artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twins to next-generation networks, including 6G, quantum, Internet of Things, sensor, vehicular, underwater, and smart-grid communication systems. His cybersecurity work covers attack prevention, anomaly detection, device fingerprinting, physical-layer security, and hardware-failure prediction. With 95 peer-reviewed publications and three best-paper awards, Farhad contributes as an editor, track chair, reviewer, supervisor, and collaborator advancing secure, intelligent, and resilient digital infrastructure.
Academic Fellow
Professor Dhananjay Thiruvady
Associate Professor Dhananjay Thiruvady is an Academic Fellow of the Australian AI Society. He is Associate Professor of Mathematics and Optimisation and Associate Head of School (Industry Research) in Deakin University's School of Information Technology. He holds a PhD in Optimisation from Monash University, earned in 2012. His work combines artificial intelligence and operations research to address challenges in mining, logistics, healthcare, biosecurity and agriculture. He has secured more than $3.5 million in external competitive funding across optimisation, the Internet of Things and logistics, and published over 90 papers in evolutionary computation and operations research. Dhananjay contributes to international conference committees, including GECCO, where he served as Co-Chair in 2024. His teaching spans algorithms, programming and industry-focused learning, and has earned multiple teaching excellence awards. He brings expertise in applied AI and industry collaboration to AUAI.
Academic Fellow
Dr Fariha Jaigirdar
Dr Fariha Jaigirdar is an Academic Fellow of the Australian AI Society and Lecturer in Cyber Security at Deakin University's School of Information Technology. She also serves as Academic Director, Diversity and Inclusion, and a STEM Ambassador for Science & Technology Australia. Her research spans cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital health, human-centred security, data protection, cyber-physical systems, and records management. Fariha focuses on improving cybersecurity risk management and security awareness while ensuring technological solutions are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse communities, including underrepresented and neurodivergent people. She collaborates with researchers, educators, clinicians, and industry professionals to translate security challenges into practical, socially responsible solutions. Through her research, teaching, leadership, and engagement, she promotes secure, equitable, and human-centred approaches to AI and digital innovation.
Academic Fellow
Dr Suresh Sood
Dr Suresh Sood is an Academic Fellow of the Australian AI Society, a behavioural AI researcher and Director of Behavioural Data. He holds a PhD and MBA from the University of Technology Sydney and a BSc (Honours) in Physics from the University of London. His expertise spans behavioural computing, human–AI interaction, large language models, world models and agentic AI. With more than two decades of industry experience, including roles at Hewlett-Packard, Unisys, DEC and Reuters, he connects research with practical business and societal needs. His work combines behavioural analytics, multimodal sensing and machine learning to develop AI systems that respond to human behaviour and context. Applications include personalised education, digital human avatars, workplace safety, healthcare and robotics. Suresh also contributes to AI curriculum development and mentors early-career researchers and professionals. His philosophy is to embed humanity into AI by learning from people, not just data.
Academic Fellow
Professor Omar Mubin
Omar Mubin is an associate professor of human-computer interaction at Western Sydney University, Australia. He received his PhD in Human-Robot Interaction from Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands, and has research expertise across human-centred computing, interaction design, human-robot interaction, social robotics, artificial intelligence, and large language models. His recent and ongoing work is strongly focused on applications of adaptive chatbots, conversational agents, and agentic AI systems, particularly in education, healthcare, digital wellbeing, and human-centred technology design. He has published widely in international HCI, AI, robotics, and digital health venues and contributes to international research collaborations across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Academic Fellow
Dr Mohsen Dokhanchi
Dr Mohsen Dokhanchi is an academic and researcher specialising in information systems, educational data analytics, and technology-enhanced learning. He holds a PhD in Learning Analytics from the University of Queensland and has extensive experience in higher education, educational technology, and research. He teaches Information Technology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across several Australian higher education institutions. His research explores how emerging technologies can enhance teaching and learning, focusing on learning analytics, generative AI in education, and cybersecurity education. His scholarly work includes research publications on online learning, social media-enhanced learning, AI-supported discussion tools, and emerging technologies in education and information systems. He is committed to connecting research, teaching, and technology to improve student learning, support academic growth, promote inclusive practices, and advance innovation in higher education.
Academic Fellow
Dr Ziqi Zhong
Dr Ziqi Zhong is an academic at UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney. His research combines behavioural economics, causal inference, foundation models, and neuroscience to understand and enhance human and firm behaviour, and to examine how new technology is transforming people, organisations, and society. His work has appeared in flagship business journals and leading AI venues such as NeurIPS and AAAI, and has been featured in MIT Technology Review and China Daily. He partners with industry on large-scale field experiments in sustainable behaviour and human-robot interaction, and has served as an External Research Scientist at NetEase Games. Ziqi holds a PhD in Management Science (Quantitative Marketing) from the London School of Economics. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Beyond academia, he was the first Chinese national to hold dual Master Instructor certifications in freediving and scuba diving in Europe.
Academic Fellow
Dr Mo Ahmadi
Dr Mo Ahmadi is an experienced academic and higher education professional with extensive expertise in teaching, academic coordination, curriculum development, academic quality, and information technology. He holds a PhD in Computer Science specialising in Multimedia Computing, along with postgraduate and undergraduate qualifications in Information Technology and Software Engineering. His experience includes teaching, academic leadership, research supervision, assessment design, academic integrity, quality assurance, and educator support across Australia and internationally. His current interests include higher education, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and the responsible integration of Generative AI into teaching, learning, and assessment.
Academic Fellow
Dr. Iqbal H. Sarker
Dr. Iqbal H. Sarker received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. He is currently a Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University (ECU), Australia. He also worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) in association with ECU. He is also an Adjunct Fellow at UTS, Australia, and UCSI University, Malaysia. His research primarily focuses on AI & Analytics, developing Data-driven and Trustworthy solutions for Cybersecurity and Business applications. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and conferences published by Nature, Elsevier, Springer, IEEE and ACM. He is the lead author of two Springer books: `Context-Aware Machine Learning and Mobile Data Analytics' and `AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence'. Dr. Sarker has also been listed among the world's top 2% most-cited scientists, published by Elsevier and Stanford University, USA.
Professional Fellow
Dr Adam Abedini
Dr Adam Abedini is an accomplished AI, data, and technology leader with experience leading transformation across banking, telecommunications, consulting, research, automotive, and education. He previously served as a Chapter Lead at ING, providing strategic and technical leadership while advancing data-driven innovation. His career includes senior roles in data management, technology architecture, big data, solution design, business intelligence, and software engineering with firms such as Black Dog Institute, Westpac, Infosys, Equifax, nbn, Commonwealth Bank, and Hyundai Motor Company Australia. Adam's expertise spans AI strategy, data science, machine learning, data engineering, enterprise architecture, software engineering, and natural language processing. He holds a PhD in Business Information Systems and combines technical depth with commercial insight to translate emerging technologies into scalable outcomes, stronger decisions, operational value, and sustainable business growth.
Academic Fellow
Dr Chit Su Mon
Dr Chit Su Mon is a higher education professional specialising in teaching, academic leadership, course coordination, curriculum development, academic quality, and information systems. She holds a PhD in Computing, with qualifications in Networked and Mobile Systems and Information Technology. Her experience across Australia and Malaysia includes programme leadership, curriculum design, accreditation, research supervision, assessment development, and quality assurance. As a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator, she contributes to teaching innovation, curriculum development, and the design of academic programmes. Her interests include higher education, artificial intelligence and AI literacy, responsible generative AI, AI-enabled learning, human-computer interaction, accessibility, inclusive technologies, data analytics, and visualisation. Her work explores how technologies and AI enhance learning, support educators, engage students, and prepare graduates for an AI-enabled workforce.
Professional Fellow
Dr Hamireza Ensafian
Dr Hamidreza Ensafian is an AI and supply chain management expert with a PhD from the University of Sydney Business School, where he studied at the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS). His expertise combines supply chain management and artificial intelligence, particularly Large Language Models, AI agents, multi-agent systems, and agentic automation. He designs intelligent solutions for supply chain challenges, including demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, procurement, logistics, planning, risk management, and end-to-end visibility. His work examines how LLM-powered applications, AI copilots, and agentic workflows can analyse enterprise data, coordinate processes, automate knowledge-intensive tasks, and support more effective decision-making. By connecting advanced AI with real-world operations, Hamidreza helps organisations develop more resilient, adaptive, and autonomous supply chains while achieving measurable gains in efficiency and business performance.
Academic Fellow
Dr Ahmad Alelaimat
Dr Ahmad Alelaimat is an academic and researcher specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Agentic AI, Business Process Management, and Digital Twins within the Australian higher education sector. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Wollongong, where his research focused on the application of Agentic AI to intelligent business processes and digital twin technologies. His broader research interests include AI-driven automation, intelligent agents, digital transformation, autonomous systems, and the integration of AI into organisational and business environments. His work has been published in respected peer-reviewed journals, including Computers in Industry, and presented through international academic and research forums. He also has experience in research supervision, subject coordination, academic moderation, and the development and delivery of AI-focused higher education programs.
Academic Fellow
Dr Hessein Almuslehi
An accomplished Academic, Researcher, and IT Professional with over 12 years of experience across higher education, research, and industry. Holds a PhD in Information Technology with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Networking, Information Systems, and Computer Science. Extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development, unit coordination, postgraduate research supervision, and academic leadership. Research interests include Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Next-Generation Networks. Combines strong academic expertise with practical industry experience and a commitment to student-centred learning, research excellence, and industry engagement.
Academic Fellow
Dr Firas Al-Doghman
Dr Firas Al-Doghman is a Lecturer, Researcher, and Major Coordinator for Enterprise Software Development at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he teaches across engineering and IT disciplines. He holds a PhD in IoT and Edge Computing, with research interests spanning cybersecurity, smart algorithms, edge intelligence, networking, and data engineering. He has extensive expertise in iOS application development, cybersecurity, and intelligent systems, and contributes to Apple’s Foundation Program and Developer Education ecosystem at UTS. He also mentored Australia’s inaugural Apple Foundation cohort. His work focuses on the practical deployment of intelligent applications, including key decisions around privacy, latency, system architecture, and the use of on-device versus cloud-based AI models in production environments.
Contact & Organisation Details
Connect with AUAI
Contact AUAI for general information about the Society, membership, programs and organisational enquiries.