• Charles Sturt University advocates for women working in artificial intelligence (AI) in the Asia-Pacific region and in rural and regional Australia
• The University sponsors a Women in AI award category – the AI in Agribusiness and Rural Development Award - and a leading Charles Sturt academic received an award for AI in Cybersecurity at a women in AI forum in Sydney
• The University’s AI institute aims to give value to communities outside urban areas and support regional and rural women working in AI

A Charles Sturt University artificial intelligence (AI) expert was awarded for her work in AI risk and cybersecurity at a recent international Women in AI forum in Sydney.

The mission of Women in AI is to close the gender gap in the field by increasing female representation and participation in AI.

The recent Women in AI Asia Pacific (APAC) awards in Sydney recognise, support and reward women in the field of AI.

The University and its Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute (AICFI) sponsored the AI in Agribusiness and Rural Development Award.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the AI in Cybersecurity Award to the Executive Director of the Charles Sturt AICFI, Professor Ganna Pogrebna (pictured left).

The AI in Risk and Cybersecurity Award celebrates women who excel in AI cybersecurity, safeguarding digital realms with innovation, expertise and resilience in the face of evolving threats.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award,” Professor Pogrebna said. “My journey into cybersecurity grew out of my work in decision theory and I never imagined I’d achieve such success in this field.”

Professor Pogrebna said it is important to note that this success is a team effort, starting with the support she has received from Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon, PSM (pictured at left, top) and Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Evans, who have encouraged her in leading the AICFI and developing her ideas.

“This award belongs to all First Nations people and people in rural and regional areas - I work for you every day to improve inclusivity and ensure AI is giving back to your communities. Finally, this recognition would be impossible without my incredible team at the AICF, and the support of my family and a range of colleagues, co-authors, collaborators, mentors and role models,” she said.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Leon attended the recent awards ceremony and presented the University’s sponsored award.

For the second year in a row, Professor Leon presented the Charles Sturt AI in Agribusiness and Rural Development Award to an industry leader who also then won the APAC Innovator of the Year award.

This year both awards went to the co-founder and CEO of LYRO Robotics, Dr Nicole Robinson, who is revolutionising the food supply chain with advanced robotics. She leads strategic direction and product development at LYRO and serves as an advisor to the National AI Centre.

“Charles Sturt University is proud to support regional and rural AI innovation,” Professor Leon said.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming society and it is vital that we support initiative and innovation that enhances and protects our communities while making a world worth living in.”

Last year Ms Saba Samiei also won both the Charles Sturt AI in Agribusiness and Regional Development Award and the Innovator of the Year Award.

“The Institute is passionate about giving value to communities located outside urban areas and we are proud to support regional and rural work in AI,” Professor Pogrebna said.

“It is gratifying to see the rural and regional focus remains at the forefront of the Women in AI agenda.”