Meet a Member – Professor Rajib Rana
Highlights
- In this edition, we meet the Co-Chair of our Downs and South West Chapter Rajib Rana. Read about Rajib’s work in AI driven health innovation, his advice on seeking a career mentor early and his work on our local Chapter.
1. Tell us about your tech career history and highlights to date
I am a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), with a PhD from UNSW Sydney and a postdoctoral fellowship from CSIRO.
I’ve secured over A$2 million in competitive research funding—including two consecutive Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships—and have led major collaborative projects with CSIRO, Queensland Health, and other industry partners. I serve as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing and have published extensively in top-tier journals, with an H-index of 35 and over 5,000 citations. My work has been recognised with prestigious honours including the Young Tall Poppy Science Award and the national iAwards and Australia-China Young Science Ambassador. Through these contributions, I’ve established myself as a national leader in AI-driven health innovation.
I founded UniSQ’s IoT-Health Research Group and lead the AI theme within the Centre for Health Research. I also direct the Master of Data Science program, which I redesigned to drive a significant increase in enrolments. My leadership continues to shape the future of computing education, research, and industry–university collaboration in Australia.
2. What career advice would you give your younger self?
Seek out the right mentors early—especially those from leading institutions around the world. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Don’t be afraid to pursue high-risk, high-reward projects—they often lead to the most growth. Stay curious, be open to interdisciplinary work, and invest in communication skills. Success in tech isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you build it with.
3. What is your favourite piece of tech or gadget?
The digital dashboard and sound system in my car are among my favourite pieces of technology. It’s a perfect blend of intelligent design and immersive user experience—whether I’m navigating long drives, taking calls, or listening to audiobooks and podcasts. The seamless integration of data, voice control, and ambient lighting reflects how technology can elevate both function and wellbeing—a principle I apply in my own work in AI and health.
3. Tell us about your favourite benefit of ACS membership and how it supports you in your tech career?
As Co- Chair of the Downs & Southwest Chapter, ACS membership enables me to lead digital transformation initiatives across the region—organising hackathons, upskilling workshops, and industry–university collaboratives. This platform connects students and staff with local businesses, drives internships and joint projects, and fosters a culture of continuous digital innovation. ACS’s resources and network keep me at the forefront of emerging technologies and community impact.