Monash AI expert honoured with prestigious fellowship
ATSE comprises a distinguished group of nearly 900 Australian scientists, research leaders and engineers who are dedicated to advancing the fields of engineering, technology and applied scientific research.
Announced today, Professor Batstone joins 32 other pioneering experts as the Academy’s new cohort of Fellows.
As a leading global expert in AI and data analytics, and the inaugural Director of the Monash Data Futures Institute, Professor Batstone has supported government and private organisations in using technological insights for social good.
Through the Institute, she has spearheaded the creation of knowledge networks, bringing together data science and AI research across multiple disciplines and faculties at the University and is passionate about the use of AI to drive change for societal impact.
Monash University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice-President Professor Rebekah Brown congratulated Professor Batstone on the significant achievement.
“Monash takes great pride in having distinguished scholars like Professor Batstone playing a pivotal role in bringing together relevant AI experts across Monash, leading the charge in understanding how these emerging technologies can be used for medical, economic and general societal advancement,” Professor Brown said.
With more than 20 years’ experience in top executive roles in the USA, Europe and Australia, helping universities, companies and government use technology to meet their goals, Professor Batstone is now building a global reputation for Monash University’s work in AI, along with a digital ecosystem to foster collaborative research with industry engagement.
She also led a contingent of AI experts and represented Monash University at the UN’s AI for Good Global Summit held in Geneva earlier this year.
Professor Batstone joined Monash University in 2020 after a range of technical and business leadership roles in IBM’s research and development laboratories, including work with IBM Watson.
“As a new Fellow of the Academy, I am humbled and deeply honoured to join this cohort of stellar researchers and technologists who I’m proud to call my peers,” Professor Batstone said.
“As an ATSE Fellow, I plan to continue my research contributions to the field of AI for social good, by engaging as a trusted advisor in the dialogue around ethical, trustworthy and responsible use of the technology and advocating for diversity and inclusion within technology-related research.”
ATSE President Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE said the new Fellows are creating a better Australia through their work.
“As we face global challenges such as climate change, the digitisation of our economy and the massive challenge of building a diverse and skilled STEM workforce, technological innovation is the lynchpin for shaping our future. It’s looking bright thanks to the extraordinary contributions of our newest Fellows.”