SA Sundowner: AI Is Here – AI adoption for businesses

Will Luker

Government Chief Information Security Officer

Cyber Security Directorate | Office of the Chief Information Officer

Department of Treasury and Finance

As the Chief Information Security Officer for the Government of South Australia, will’s role is pivotal in leading and supporting the collective effort across the South Australian Government to protect and strengthen the state’s community and economy from ever-increasing cyber-attacks. Will leads the Cyber Security Directorate, which is responsible for setting whole-of-government strategic direction and policy, and for leading large-scale incident and emergency responses. He also heads the team that provides security to whole-of-government ICT and digital functions within the Government’s Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Will has a broad range of skills, expertise, and training across national and cyber security, emergency management, and critical infrastructure protection. He holds undergraduate degrees in Business and International Relations, postgraduate qualifications in Intelligence, and is a Certified Information Security Manager and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Will is passionate about supporting the professionalisation of the cyber security industry and supporting the community. He serves in a voluntary capacity as the Vice President of the Adelaide Chapter of ISACA and is also a Director and Board Member of CrimeStoppers SA.

Dr Kathy Nicholson PhD

Institute Manager

Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) | University of Adelaide

Dr. Kathy Nicholson is an accomplished STEM professional with a remarkable career spanning almost 20 years in leadership positions in both Australia and the United States. Currently, she serves as the Institute Manager at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, while also holding influential roles as a Board Director and Policy Chair for Science Technology Australia. With a deep commitment to supporting STEM professionals throughout their careers, Kathy actively mentors aspiring scientists through the ATSE IMNIS program.

Kathy’s leadership journey includes holding key positions at prestigious institutions such as the New York Academy of Sciences, RiAus Australia, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics. She possesses a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals within the STEM community and tirelessly works to amplify their remarkable scientific achievements while advocating for positive policy changes.

With a PhD in Microbiology from Monash University, Kathy has a solid foundation in scientific research. Throughout her career, she has expanded her science communication expertise to various scientific disciplines, including biophotonics and machine learning. Furthermore, Kathy is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, equipping her with comprehensive knowledge in corporate governance and strategic decision-making.

Kathy’s proficiency extends across diverse areas of business, encompassing governance, communication, policy, engagement, strategy, risk management, and diversity initiatives. Her extensive experience, coupled with her passion for science and unwavering dedication to supporting the STEM community, allows her to make a significant impact in advancing scientific research and fostering a thriving scientific ecosystem.

Dr Richard Price

Capability Lead, AI Analytics & Data Science | Insights and Data

Capgemini Australia

Richard completed a Ph.D. in Numerical Optimisation from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK before starting his professional career as a systems analyst with Logica Space and Defence Systems. He then joined Bank of America in London as a quantitative analyst in financial markets, where he developed neural network models for currency market prediction that were actively traded for a number of years.

Richard emigrated to Australia in 1991 to take up a position as a research scientist with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation in Adelaide. In 2001 he was promoted to the position of Head Intelligence Analysis Research Group leading a team of 20 staff performing AI and machine learning research for the Australian Intelligence community.

Richard is currently the Director for AI, Analytics and Data Science within the Insights and Data Practice of Capgemini Australia and New Zealand, where he leads a team of 40 staff applying AI and data science techniques for many of Australia’s leading companies and Government agencies.