ACS appoints new Fellows
On behalf of the National Fellows Committee, the ACS is delighted to announce the recent awarding of Fellowship to Professor Asif Gill, Professor & Head of Discipline, Software Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS); Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice, Edith Cowan University (ECU); and Professor Wenjie Zhang, Professor, Head of the Data and Knowledge Research Group, and Deputy Head of School (Research), School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Wenjie Zhang, Professor, Head of the Data and Knowledge Research Group, and Deputy Head of School (Research), School of Computer Science and Engineering, UNSW
Dr Wenjie Zhang, Professor, ARC Future Fellow, Head of the Data and Knowledge Research Group and Deputy Head of School (Research) in the School of Computer Science and Engineering, the University of New South Wales, Australia has made a distinguished contribution to Australian ICT by elevating the profile of Australian research and by her work in the field of data analytics, where she has made foundational contributions and devised many new algorithms.
Her work been successfully applied to data-driven decision making in underground mining and solar engineering, fraud detection in financial systems, fire resilient infrastructure, SME business succession planning, learning analytics for neurodivergent students and recently, to analysing cellular systems, impacting significantly both their profitability and efficiency.
Dr Zhang’s group has been consistently ranked at number 5 in the world. She is widely recognised for her ability to communicate across a wide variety of disciplines, and also her willingness to address audiences of all sizes and interest to explain the applicability of her work. She inspires and nurtures her colleagues to excel in their academic careers and is generous with her time to encourage the young into ICT
Asif Gill, Professor & Head of Discipline, Software Engineering, UTS
Professor Asif Gill has made a distinguished contribution to ICT in the field of adaptive enterprise architecture and large-scale secure data systems. His research has led to new adaptive enterprise architecture theory, practical frameworks, and innovative solutions being successfully adopted into practice.
Asif’s work with the RBA has been acclaimed for leading to increased resilience in the banks’ business technology services; a system which manages the payments that keep Australia’s economy moving. Similarly, the complex customer data architecture project which he led for Revenue NSW, is noted as revolutionising efficiency across many parts the operation.
As a founder of DigiSAS Lab and FGEA CoP for industry and government, he has enabled integrated teaching-research-engagement that fosters the translation of research into practical applications and at the same time creates and enhances graduate employment opportunities. Professor Gill is a tireless ambassador for the profession willingly travelling the breadth of Australia to give presentations to government, industry and ACS members.
Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice, ECU
Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland has made a significant contribution to ICT through extensive media engagement that communicates complex cyber security concepts in an accessible and easy to comprehend fashion to many millions of people. His teaching and research are informed through industry engagement that ensures that his media contributions are relevant and prepares students well to be job-ready graduates.
Paul’s clear communication in varied formats including online and traditional print-based publications, through social media, and by giving interviews on radio and television has led to a large increase in public awareness of cyber security issues. This broad media engagement enables potential students and their influencers to see cyber security as a worthwhile profession that works in the service of the society, individuals, and other stakeholders.
Dr Haskell-Dowland is valued as a cross-disciplinary mentor and colleague and has advanced the profession through service on national and international committees in his area of specialisation.
Learn more and view ACS's honorary list of life members and fellows by visiting the Hall of Fame.