KEYNOTE SPEAKER - LEON FURZE
Leon Furze, PhD is a best selling author and consultant with 15+ years' experience in secondary and tertiary education. His PhD focused on the implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence for teachers.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has continued to disrupt many industries, including education. Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, education providers have been coming to terms with increasingly capable, multimodal GenAI like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot. This session explores the practical and ethical implications of GenAI in education, and how we might adjust our teaching and learning to remain valid in the face of the technology.
FOR EVERYONE
Tiny Satellites, Giant Leaps: How Melbourne is Reshaping Astrophysics
Presented by Robert Mearns from Melbourne Space Lab, University of Melbourne
The Melbourne Space Laboratory develops miniaturised payloads and technological solutions for nanosatellites — enabling scientific investigations, commercial opportunities and defence applications traditionally restricted to much larger, more expensive satellites. The team includes academics with international leadership in space science and engineering, and engineers with extensive experience in aerospace companies.
AI for Creativity
Presented by Waz Peel from Amrop Carmichael Fishe
Warwick 'Waz' Peel is a Partner at Amrop Carmichael Fisher, appointing Executives, Board Directors and AI Advisory Board members. He is a decade-long board director of the UN Association in Victoria, co-chairs its national climate committee, and co-founded the Global Responsible AI Assembly after studying ethical AI governance at MIT-Sloan.
Machine perfusion of organs to improve transplantation outcomes
Presented by Vinojini Nair, PhD
Dr Vinojini Nair is a Melbourne-based AI strategy leader helping large organisations use AI responsibly. A former trauma surgeon, she now advises banks, government, infrastructure companies and film studios. She holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and medical degrees from the University of Melbourne, sits on boards, and mentors others.
Artificial Intelligence, Real Energy: Balancing the Grid of Tomorrow
Presented by Erica Gibbs, Budiwan Kosumo and Phillip Gibson from Snowy Hydro
The 'Intelligent Future' isn't just code — it's megawatts. Every AI query starts with a burst of electricity. This session explores how global data centres are shifting Australia's National Electricity Market, unpacks base load vs peak demand, and shows why Snowy Hydro's flexible portfolio keeps it powered.
Empowering AI
Presented by Nick Foord from CFive AI
Nick Foord is a co-founder of CFive AI based in Melbourne, evolutionising customer engagement with AI-powered voice agents that replace traditional call centres.
Embedding STEAM Across a Primary School.
Presented by Leanne Williams from Elsternwick Primary School
Leanne Williams is Assistant Principal at Elsternwick Primary School and was previously a Chartered Accountant. She was proudly nominated for the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching (2025).
The use of AI in learning diversity
Presented by Dr Jane Wenlock from AustiKolbe Catholic College
With over 40 years in education and 30 in Learning Diversity, Dr Jane Wenlock is a strong advocate for students with diverse learning needs. She is always trying to 'find a way' to ensure all students are catered for within the classroom, and to build more inclusive learning environments.
Beyond the prompt: Using Generative AI to build inclusive STEM classrooms
Presented by Milorad Cerovac from La Trobe University
Milorad is a Lecturer in the School of Education at La Trobe University, a registered teacher and former IT professional. His teaching and research focus on STEM education, authentic learning experiences, and increasing girls' participation in STEM.
FOR TEACHERS ONLY
AI Use Cases
Presented by Sashi Anantham from IQVIA
Management consultant with extensive experience providing advice to businesses from AI-derived data analysis
Machine perfusion of organs to improve transplantation outcomes.
Presented by Sia Pefanis from Austin Health
Dr Sia Pefanis, a nephrologist at Austin Health, specialises in kidney transplantation and leads research to improve donor organs. She is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne.