Metaverse Catalyst Conference

Thas is professor of Electronic Engineering at the University of Melbourne and deputy dean for research within the Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology. He shares with us his thoughts on the metaverse, artificial intelligence and the interconnected nature of the challenges we’re dealing with today. He also offers his views on what careers will be available to future graduates and how they will have to adapt.

Guido, Founding Director of the OST's Interdisciplinary Center for Artificial Intelligence, discusses his desire for data science and AI to be expanded into more fields to facilitate the creation of transferable skills. He also discusses how civilization-advancing technologies are becoming increasingly important, as well as how we should empower non-engineers to do engineering work by providing them with smart tools such as machine learning, data science and artificial intelligence.

Ken, a "recovering entrepreneur" and current managing director of the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at UC Berkeley, discusses his path, which has included studying the history of science and technology. Ken also discusses the inspiration, knowledge and insights that individuals gain from having access to all ecosystems as a result of technological advancements.

Jill St. John, who works in research management at Melbourne's Faculty of Engineering and IT, takes us through her journey from Marine Biologist to her role in assisting academics in obtaining funding for their research, and guiding them through their projects. Jill believes that Engineering and Computer Science can provide many answers in this ever-changing world, particularly in terms of sustainability. She also believes that STEM has a bright future, despite the reality that one of the sector's challenges is growing its diversity, which includes, among other things, increasing the number of females.

With a background in laser physics, Jes Broeng, professor and director at the Technical University of Denmark, shares his insights on entrepreneurship and how sharing common values and objectives is not sufficient for a startup. Jes also emphasizes the value of combining STEM and business with the social sciences, humanities and other subjects to provide future entrepreneurs with greater opportunities.

Amine Bermak, professor and associate dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, discusses his passion for technology and the potential of integrated electronics, particularly for wearable sensors. Amine is convinced that the technology industry will experience exponential growth thanks to the metaverse, impacting every industry and creating new ones.

Charlotta Johnson, a professor at Lund University in Sweden and the head of the Helsingborg campus, explains her perspective on the implementation and use of technological tools such as the metaverse, simulations, the Internet of Things, data analytics, and robotics in the manufacturing industry. She discusses the concept of "smart manufacturing" and emphasizes the importance of collaboration for common industrial standards and industry cooperation.

"Education is about synthesizing the act of reflection and imagination." Amrik Sen, a mathematics professor at Plaksha University in India and trained engineer, discusses his investment in student learning as well as his thoughts on the ability of technology to transform education. Amrik also discusses student projects centered on creating games based on various mathematical and physics concepts that could be played out in the metaverse.