Inaugural CDSAI Research Showcase Highlights Innovation and Impact
CDSAI recently hosted its inaugural Research Showcase, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating research excellence, collaboration, and innovation in data science and artificial intelligence.
Professor Mengjie Zhang, Director of CDSAI, opened the event by welcoming guests and highlighting the Centre’s mission to connect cutting-edge research with real-world impact. He reflected on the Centre’s rapid growth since its establishment, bringing together over 40 staff and 60 PhD students who are advancing research across diverse domains—from primary industries and climate change, biomedical applications, high-value manufacturing, ethics, society and public policy.
In her keynote address, Professor Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), commended the University’s strong culture of research excellence and its community of world-leading experts. She highlighted CDSAI researchers as global thought leaders tackling key challenges across research themes and application areas and noted the Centre’s close collaborations with newly formed PROs, government agencies, and international partners. Professor Hyland emphasised the vital role of data science and AI in addressing society’s most complex challenges, reaffirming the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary research that drives innovation and benefits Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider global community.
Professor Stephen MacDonell, Co-Director of CDSAI, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the presenters, organisers, and guests for their contributions in making the showcase a resounding success.
Attendees explored a wide range of research projects and applications presented by CDSAI researchers and students, engaging in lively discussions about potential collaboration across academia, industry, and government.
The Research Showcase not only demonstrated the depth of expertise within the Centre but also reinforced CDSAI’s role as a leading national hub for advancing data science and artificial intelligence. The enthusiasm and engagement throughout the event reflected a shared commitment to harnessing data and technology to address key societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring afternoon of discovery, connection, and future-focused conversation. We look forward to building on the momentum generated at this event as we continue to grow and strengthen partnerships and explore new frontiers in data science and AI research and applications.