Narmada Balasooriya is a computer engineer and AI researcher specializing in deep learning, computer vision, and autonomous robotic systems. She holds an M.Eng. in Computer Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland (GPA 4.00/4.00) and has contributed to projects involving LiDAR‑based UAV navigation, sea‑ice detection, and climate‑change visualization. Her experience spans academic research, industry UAV software development, and freelance computer vision engineering.

She has collaborated with organizations such as the National Research Council of Canada, Quebec AI Institute (MILA Canada), and the American Bureau of Shipping in Canada. Her work includes developing real‑time AI pipelines on NVIDIA Jetson platforms, designing navigation and safety systems for drones, and publishing research in robotics, climate‑AI, and medical imaging.

Spatial audio research and algorithm development.

Specialties: head-related transfer functions, speech enhancement, sound field analysis, multi-channel audio processing, compressed sensing, spherical harmonics, source localization/separation/translation, beamforming.

Resul Dagdanov is a researcher with an academic and professional background in aerospace engineering and autonomous systems. He is on a journey through the uncharted "steppe lands" of human-centric robotics. It is a journey to explore challenges and enable collaboration between humans and robots. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in astronautical engineering and a master’s in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Istanbul Technical University (ITU), completed in 2021 and 2023, respectively. His master’s thesis focused on improving the safety of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and deep learning (DL)-based autonomous driving systems by addressing failures in safety-critical scenarios. Resul conducted this research under the supervision of Associate Professor Nazim Kemal Ure.

Before starting his doctoral journey at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Robotics Institute (RI), he worked as a software engineer from 2020 to 2021 in the aerospace defense industry at Baykar Defence. During this period, he specialized in developing path-planning algorithms for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mainly focusing on scenarios involving engine failures and challenging terrain conditions while optimizing fuel efficiency and travel distances. 

From 2021 to 2023, he contributed to a pioneering electric vehicle company, Eatron Technologies, as part of a machine learning (ML) team. He designed decision-making systems for autonomous vehicles, including lane-change prediction and unsupervised driver behavior classification. His work also advanced battery management systems (BMS) through innovations in smart charging, thermal runaway detection, and accurate state-of-charge (SoC) and state-of-health (SoH) estimation. 

Currently, Resul is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at UTS RI, where he investigates human trust in robots within collaborative environments. His research in human-centric robotics focuses on how robots can adapt to human behavior and act as agentic partners rather than mere tools. 

Outside the lab, Resul documents this journey into the future of human-centric robotics through a Video Series on YouTube. Join him as Resul wanders through the uncharted steppe lands of robotics and beyond! This journey will be challenging; however, it promises to be rewarding in the insights and discoveries awaiting! 

Resul conducts his research under the supervision of Assistant Professor Milan Andrejevic and Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu.

Andrea Trianni is an academic leader with a notable record of research, consultancy, and advisory work for industrial organizations and policymakers at the local, regional, and international levels in the field of industrial energy efficiency and sustainability. He is currently the Director, Research Programs in UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT, leading the University’s largest HDR portfolio of more than 1,100 candidates. His leadership in the Faculty spans across HDR strategy, admissions, scholarships, supervision quality, candidature management, thesis examination governance, candidate experience, pastoral support and research training improvement.

Dr. Trianni's research and consultancy activities are focused on supporting businesses in transitioning towards a more sustainable production, with a particular emphasis on energy efficiency solutions, assessment of energy productivity benefits within industrial activities and supply chains, energy efficiency services, as well as deployment of low-carbon solutions for industrial sustainability, by leveraging on the potential of digital manufacturing solutions.

He has collaborated in pivotal research projects and provided his services to major local and international industry players, such as Schneider Electric, Siemens, ABB, 3M, Campari, as well as domestic and international policy-makers (International Energy Agency, Australia DCCEEW, NSW OECC, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development). He has successfully spearheaded, supervised, and executed a multitude of high-quality applied research projects with substantial impact on industries and policy makers, amounting to over 2.5 million $. He has authored or co-authored over 90 publications in international journals as well as conference proceedings. He has several editorial appointments in international peer-reviewed journals within the field of industrial sustainability, including: co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Cleaner Manufacturing, Associate Editor for Journal of Cleaner Production (Q1) and Energy Efficiency (Q2). Dr. Trianni also sits in the Editorial Board of several international peer reviewed journals such as Production and Manufacturing Research (Q1), Sustainable Futures (Q1). He has been included in the list of 2% world’s top cited scientists in the field Energy and Environmental Sciences, Enabling and Strategic Technologies (2020, 2022-2025). He also member of the Standards Australia ANZ committee overseeing Quality systems.

Dr. Trianni's teaching proficiency spans across sustainable operations management, industrial eco-efficiency, and industrial energy management, quality management and control, as well as industrial plant design and management. Furthermore, he boasts extensive experience in corporate education, developing and offering short courses and micro-credentials for industry professionals and managers within the following areas: industrial energy efficiency and energy management, industrial sustainability, industrial decarbonisation, quality management and control, design of production systems, industry 4.0 technologies and industrial automation, design for automation, statistical process control.

George Tulloch is an accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader dedicated to driving innovation at the intersection of deep tech, clean tech, and the built environment. As a cofounder and Chief Technology Officer of Noizend, he spearheads the development of next-generation active noise control technologies that enhance productivity, sustainability, and operational efficiencies​. Noizend is a pioneering deep-tech startup focused on reducing chronic low-frequency noise pollution through AI-driven active noise control and digital twin technology​.

With a background in entrepreneurship, government relations, and emerging technologies, George is passionate about solving complex challenges through strategic innovation. His expertise extends to software and hardware development, critical minerals, renewable energy, Australian manufacturing policy, and urban noise mitigation, all essential in building Australia's more resilient and technologically advanced future​.

Professional Journey

George's career began with a deep-rooted passion for technology and innovation. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs in the solar industry, he developed a strong foundation in renewable energy and sustainable business practices. This early exposure shaped his commitment to Australian innovation and industrial growth​.

As Noizend's CTO and cofounder, George leads a team developing the Noizend Shield, a breakthrough noise reduction system designed to mitigate the harmful effects of low-frequency noise pollution in urban environments. The Noizend Shield uses active noise control, IoT-integrated sensors, and AI-optimised algorithms to create quieter, more productive spaces in noisy industries​​. Noizend has secured strategic partnerships with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Scimata Operations Pty Ltd. He has joined NVIDIA’s Inception Program for Startups to leverage cutting-edge AI for noise analysis​.

Previously, George served as CEO of Balance Mat, a company pioneering objective balance assessment for fall prevention and concussion management. His leadership saw Balance Mat secure patents, regulatory approvals, and market traction in the health tech and sports industries.

Additionally, George is the Director of Convaim, a boutique consultancy advising startups, scale-ups, and government agencies on strategy, innovation policy, and technology commercialisation. His work with Convaim has positioned him as a key advocate for Australian manufacturing, sovereign capability, and investment in critical technologies.

Beyond technology and entrepreneurship, George has a deep appreciation for the arts and music production, having spent over a decade as a producer named George Orb. His creative background continues to inform his approach to problem-solving, product design, and user experience.

Key Expertise

• Technology & Innovation Leadership – Driving strategic AI, IoT, and automation vision.
• Deep Tech & Clean Tech – Pioneering AI-driven active noise control for sustainable urban environments.
• Government Relations & Policy – Engaging with policymakers to advance Australian innovation, sovereign capability, and industry growth.
• Critical Minerals & Advanced Manufacturing – Championing domestic production and noise mitigation solutions for industrial applications.
• Health Tech & Built Environment – Pioneering active noise control to enhance city productivity and well-being​.

Education & Advocacy

George holds a degree from UTS and is currently undertaking a Masters (Research) degree on developing Noizend’s technology at UTS. He actively advocates for Australian startups, clean energy policy, and emerging technology sectors, regularly contributing to discussions on sovereign manufacturing, industrial policy, and innovation investment.

In 2019, George Tulloch expanded his commitment to Sydney's cultural vitality by running as a candidate for the Keep Sydney Open party in the New South Wales state election. He contested the seat of Rockdale, campaigning against incumbent Steve Kamper. His platform focused on advocating for entertainment, culture, and the right of people to enjoy their city safely. George's involvement with Keep Sydney Open underscored his dedication to preserving and enhancing Sydney's nightlife and cultural scene, reflecting his broader commitment to community engagement and urban vibrancy.

Vision

George’s mission is to bridge the gap between innovation and impact, ensuring Australian ingenuity leads global advancements in deep tech, automation, and sustainability. Through Noizend, he spearheads a technological revolution in noise reduction, positioning Australia as a leader in AI-driven urban and industrial transformation​.

Sajad Zandi completed his Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Malayer University, Iran, in 2017. Since May 2024, he has been a PhD student at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia. His research focuses on adaptive and statistical signal processing, cooperative learning, multi-agent networking, distributed adaptive estimation, distributed active noise control, information-theoretic data, signal processing for communications, and adaptive optimization.