Pictured from left to right: Sunny Andalebi, Kosta Doukas and Luca Palermo from Outcomex. [Source: Iot Hub] Standout Australian industry and government projects and solutions using the Internet of Things were recognised as winners of the 2023 IoT Awards in May. The official awards of Australia’s peak industry body for the Internet of Things, the IoT Alliance Australia (IoTAA), provides a snapshot of how IoT is being used to advance the management of Australian energy and water networks, operational efficiency in multiple industries and modernise government services, among many other uses. Congratulations to Victorian Awardees A number of Victorian projects and companies were recognized at this year's IoT Awards. Presenting the awards was Frank Zeichner, the founding CEO of IoTAA and a thought leader in the adoption of IoT in Australia who continues to work with members across academia, industry and government. Pictured above is the team from Telstra and Jemena accepting the Energy Award for their Meter Data Logger Program. This enabled Jemena to extend the life of legacy, analogue metering assets for tens of thousands of customers in high rise buildings, while enabling remote meter reads. Telstra and Jemena also received the Security Award for their Meter Data Logger Program, which was developed to meet comprehensive critical infrastructure requirements and customer privacy considerations. This ranges from ISO27001 certification for selected IP network products and international operations and services, to regular independent audits. Both companies have teams, processes and systems to monitor for and manage security incidents. Bodd Technologies earned the Manufacturing Award for their 3D Body Scanners, which are manufactured in Australia in partnership with Bosch. The AWS-connected scanners use high fidelity scans taking less than a minute to fit a person for an entire product catalogue of clothing, saving time for uniform fitting and potentially reducing waste for retailers. Keltech IoE was presented with the Construction Award for the KelTech IoT Label On A Cable. The product uses encrypted NFC tags to provide online, real-time visibility of deployed IoT assets, such as switches and cables. It is in use in projects around the world. The Outcomex team were called on stage again to receive the Food & Agriculture Award, for the Farmdeck: Monitoring Fridge Sensors pilot project. It overcame physical connectivity challenges to help McDonalds in Australia react quickly to fridge temperature changes, to avoid food waste and expenses. South East Water was also a multiple award winner, receiving the Interoperability Award and the Smart Places and Infrastructure Award, for their Digital Utility at Scale project. The project includes systems and devices that can communicate across multiple telecommunication networks, use open standard protocols such as NB-IoT and LightweightM2M for carriage and data transactions and report to a multitude of head-end systems. The organisation deployed thousands of meters and sensors in Victoria and alerted thousands of customers to potential leaks, saving them an estimated $1.28 million dollars. The awards were presented at the culmination of IoT Impact 2023, a one-day event about IoT for smart places, manufacturing, energy, sustainability, remote connectivity, circular economy, digital trust, construction, agriculture, workforce skills, fair and safe IoT, asset management, digital twins, disaster resilience and other topics. Who hosts the IoT Awards? The annual l IoT Awards are hosted jointly by IoT Alliance Australia and IoT Hub. IoT Alliance Australia (IoTAA) is the peak industry body representing the Internet of Things (IoT) in Australia, with over 500 participating organisations and 1000 individual participants working across twelve workstreams. IoT Hub is a site focused on the growing connectivity between software, the cloud, and the devices we use in everyday business operations. From connected plant hardware, to communications and data manipulation, to views and opinions from Australia’s leading influencers, IoT Hub is YOUR site for staying up to date with this fast-developing field. Originally published by IoT Hub on 26 May 'Announcing the winners of the 2023 IoT Awards' Photo credit: The 2023 IoT Awards winners
Two Swinburne researchers were cited in not one, but two, categories in the 2022 Highly Cited Researchers. Congratulations to Distinguished Professor Qing-Long Han (left) and Dr Xianming Zhang (right). At this time of year researchers eagerly await to see who will be celebrated for their global influence. Researchers can measure their impact in many ways. One of these is to publish excellent research that is used by other researchers. The second is to secure funding to pursue their research. DIF News features stories of Victorian researchers making an impact in STEM-related fields. This time we shine a light on Swinburne with a raft of awards and grants that demonstrate how people and technology working together can build a better world in action through the work of these esteemed researchers. Swinburne was recently named the lead Australian research institution in Automation & Control Theory, Computing Systems and Nonlinear Science by The Australian’s 2023 Research magazine. The esteemed annual list also recognised Distinguished Professor Qing-long Han as the top researcher in Engineering and Computer Science and Associate Professor Tonghua Zhang [pictured above] as the Australian leader in Nonlinear Science which is on top of their recognition by Clarivate which is indeed a reason to celebrate. “Swinburne has provided me with outstanding support and has established an extremely high-profile research team, allowing me to conduct high-quality research to make impactful contributions to the future of engineering,” Professor Han, School of Software and Electrical Engineering Highly Cited Researchers 2022 If you’ve ever wondered how the top researchers are selected, well in the case of Clarivate, they draw its data from the published papers that rank in the top one per cent by citations for field and publication year in the Web of Science citation index. The 2022 Highly Cited Researchers list includes the Swinburne researchers recognised below. Of eight of the researchers making the list in 2022, five were from computer science, engineering and mathematics. Clarivate compiles those in the top one per cent by citations for their field during the past decade. Professor Jinjun Chen is Deputy Director of the Swinburne Data Science Research Institute. His research spans cloud computing, distributed systems and algorithms, mobile computing, hardware security, system and network security, data security and protection, and software and application security. Dr Xiaohua (Jamie) Ge is a computer engineer with expertise in networked control systems, multi-agent systems and cyber-physical systems. In a practical sense, his research is applied to intelligent ground/surface/underwater vehicles, electric vehicles, connected automated vehicles and intelligent transportation systems. Distinguished Professor Qing-Long Han is Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Quality), but he still makes time for his own research. He is an internationally recognised leader in Control Theory and Control Engineering. Impressively, he is cited in the top one per cent for both computer science and engineering in 2022. Dr Xianming Zhang has published over 100 fully-referred journal articles and conference papers, including – most recently – on automated and electric vehicles. Dr Zhang is also cited in two categories: computer science and engineering. Associate Professor Tonghua Zhang is a mathematician interested in differential equations, nonlinear dynamical systems and mathematical biology. He has applied his expertise to topics varying from supply chains to the transmission model of a Zika virus. Professor Qing-Long Han, was also named an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow for his Industry 4.0 research contributions to the control and filtering of networked systems. Image source: Swinburne Swinburne researchers share in $221 million for ARC Discovery Projects More than $221 million of funding for 2023 Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects has been announced. The scheme provides funding of between $30,000 and $500,000 each year for up to five years. Six Swinburne projects were among the individuals and research teams supported to innovate and build new knowledge. Three of the projects contribute to the development of the digital economy examining last-mile connectivity with the internet of things, cybersecurity in the cloud and technology in aged care. Australia’s 5G transition to get a boost Almost half a million dollars will go to the world's first attempt to systematically tackle the challenges of enabling cost-effective last-mile service of 5G mobile edge computing. Led by software engineering and cloud computing expert Associate Professor Qiang He, the project will drive Australia's 5G transition and innovations and promote national post-COVID economic recovery. We’ll see an improvement to real-time mobile and Internet of Things applications, such as telehealth, remote learning/working, industry 4.0, and ensure Australia’s pioneering position in the global 5G research. Australian data to be made safer on the cloud Data auditing is a promising way to prevent information being modified or lost on the cloud. It could give us timely warnings, meaning we could take precautions and avoid potential data loss. But current auditing approaches are lacking in efficiency and security. Swinburne’s Deputy Director of the Swinburne Data Science Research Institute, Professor Jinjun Chen, will undertake innovative research into the challenges of data auditing and aim to establish solutions for enabling efficient and secure data integrity auditing on the cloud. The project will help safeguard Australians in a fast-growing cyber connected world. The future of high-tech aged care Technology isn’t just for the young. Older adults would benefit from more and better technology in aged care. Lead of the Swinburne Living Lab, Professor Sonja Pedell, is shepherding a project on meaningful experiences and tech skill development of people in aged care. It’s important to introduce technologies that support agency and confidence – instead of making older Australians frustrated, confused or dependent on the help of others. This project takes the interests, abilities and everyday experiences of people in aged care and uses their wants and needs to inform how to boost technology uptake in residential settings. Professor Karen Hapgood joined Swinburne University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research in March 2022. Image source: Swinburne Originally published by Swinburne University: Swinburne highly cited researchers rise to the top in 2022 15 November 2022 Swinburne researchers share in $221 million for ARC Discovery Projects 28 November 2022
Dr Pip Karoly Image: University of Melbourne University of Melbourne researcher and Seer Medical data scientist Dr Pip Karoly has received the Prize for New Innovators in the 2022 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. The prestigious award recognises Dr Karoly’s breakthrough scientific research into epilepsy and the development and commercialisation of a seizure risk forecasting app that allows people living with epilepsy to track their likelihood of having a seizure across hourly, daily or monthly timescales. By allowing people with epilepsy to monitor and manage seizures at home, the app has the potential to greatly improve quality of life, autonomy and productivity for millions of people around the world living with uncontrolled seizures. Dr Karoly said not knowing when a seizure will happen can cause a lot of anxiety and risk for people. “The unpredictability of epileptic seizures exposes people with epilepsy to potential physical harm and restricts day-to-day activities. It can also impact significantly on mental well-being. Giving people with epilepsy the ability to understand their risk of having a seizure within a given period means they can better plan their activities around their seizure risk. Many find the app helpful to manage their anxiety and day-to-day life,” Dr Karoly said. “The seizure risk forecasting feature on the Seer app is based on my research into long-term cycles of seizure likelihood, which affect most people with epilepsy and are unique to their seizures. The next step will be to run clinical trials of seizure risk forecasting in Australia and the US to understand how to target this technology to best help people with epilepsy. A really rewarding part of my work is being able to span from research through to clinical translation, and work directly with the users of this technology.” “The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are a wonderful way to show Australians how science and discovery can bridge into innovation and real-world application. To be recognised in the Prizes is overwhelming and a huge honour that will really mean a lot for my career as a scientist. The Prize for New Innovators will give me opportunities to build new collaborations and really grow my research into understanding the human brain.” Dean of the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering and IT, Professor Mark Cassidy, congratulated Dr Karoly on receiving the prestigious award. “Pip has made outstanding contributions to the University of Melbourne and to the science community more broadly. Her work with Seer has changed the lives of many people living with epilepsy,” Professor Cassidy said. “We are extremely proud of Pip, her achievements, and this recognition as part of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.” Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Seer Medical Professor Mark Cook also celebrated Dr Karoly’s dedication to patients and clinical translation. “Over the past decade I have witnessed Dr Karoly grow from a research assistant into a formidable leader, world-class orator and thought leader across neuroscience, academia and industry. Throughout her career Pip has demonstrated unwavering commitment to clinical translation taking time to understand the patient, their needs and the immediate clinical impact,” Professor Cook said. “Dr Karoly’s breadth of clinical, commercial and academic acumen have enabled her outstanding scientific and technological achievements in seizure forecasting, leading to direct medical, economic and research benefits.” The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching. The Prizes are presented to researchers who have made a significant contribution to the nation’s scientific and commercialisation capabilities, to science teaching, and to the country’s social and economic wellbeing. Originally published by the University of Melbourne on 22 November 2022: Prime Minister's Prize for innovative epilepsy scientist
Photo: Women in AI Awards: Left to Right - Dr Amanda Caples, Dr Tony Lindsay, Dr Denis Bauer, Ramona Vijeyarasa, Professor Helen Frazer, Professor Joanna Batstone The spectacular glass ceiling of the great hall at the National Gallery of Victoria was under pressure as the Women in AI Awards were held to honour and celebrate Australian and New Zealand female trailblazers. Dr Helen Frazer won the prestigious 'Australia-New Zealand WAI Innovator of the Year' title which also acknowledges the incredible team and partners: St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, BreastScreen Victoria, University of Melbourne, and the University of Adelaide. Women in AI Australia and New Zealand held the second annual awards in Melbourne in March. The Awards are prestigious in their recognition and vital in building credibility and exposure for outstanding women in AI in Australia and New Zealand. Among the 2022 National Award Winners were Victorian leaders in health, sport and defence intelligence, showing that talent runs across all sectors of emerging technology. Dr Helen Frazer, Radiologist, Breast Cancer Screening Clinician, AI researcher, and Epidemiologist at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, won the AI in Health Award. The AI in Sport Award went to Rochelle Eime, Director of PASI: Physical Activity & Sport Insights, pasiglobal.com and Flora Salim, Professor and Cisco Chair in Digital Transport, School of Computer Science and Engineering, UNSW; Honorary Professor, School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, was the recipient of the AI in Defence and Intelligence Award. Recognising all the Victorian finalists The intellectual power under the NGV glass ceiling was almost enough to break through as the WAI Awards finalists met with their peers, students, partners and collaborators. This year 14 Victorian women across 11 categories were recognised as finalists for their contribution to their fields. The judging criteria include innovation, leadership, and inspiring potential and also considers the global potential and impact, as well as the ability of the AI solution to benefit communities and citizens. The Victorians recognised include: AI in Climate Olivia Sackett, Space Technology and AI, EY AI in Creative Industries Nina Rajcic, PHD Candidate at SensiLab, Monash University AI in Cyber Security Kristen Moore, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO AI in Defence and Intelligence Flora Salim, Professor and Cisco Chair in Digital Transport, School of Computer Science and Engineering, UNSW; Honorary Professor, School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University. AI in Finance Ying Yang, Assistant Commissioner of Data Science, Australian Taxation Office AI in Health Dr Sonika Tyagi, PhD, Machine Learning Fellow, Alfred Health Dr Helen Frazer, Radiologist, Breast Cancer Screening Clinician, AI Researcher, Epidemiologist, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne AI in Defence and Intelligence Award Flora Salim, Professor and Cisco Chair in Digital Transport, School of Computer Science and Engineering, UNSW; Honorary Professor, School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University. AI in Infrastructure Rose Skandari, Ph.D. , Data Science ManagerData Science Manager, bp AI in Innovation Karin Verspoor FAIDH, Executive Dean, School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University AI in Law Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law, Co-Director of the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics, The University of Melbourne Dr Kobi Leins, Senior Consultant, Data Ethics, NAB AI in Mining Angela Rodrigues, Ph.D. Candidate, Monash University AI in Sport Elisa Koch, Head of Data and Analytics, Australian Football League Rochelle Eime, Director of PASI: Physical Activity & Sport Insights, pasiglobal.com Committed to supporting and rewarding trailblazing women who are carving a path for others to follow, the awards were judged in terms of the applicant’s innovation, global potential and impact, and the ability for their solution to do good for the community. Formed in Paris in October 2016, Women in AI (WAI) is a global network of female experts and professionals working in AI, aiming to make the sector more gender-inclusive and to educate the next generation of female entrepreneurs. By educating the next generation of female leaders in the field, their mission is to create a ‘community working towards shaping inclusive AI for our common future’ and environment where women own the stage and present inspiring ideas. Find out more about Women in AI here >>