CDSAI

AI for good: developing artificial intelligence to improve our lives

Professor Mengjie Zhang and his team are developing AI-driven innovations to take on some of the most complex challenges the world is currently facing. 
Crowd of people sitting in a central city park at lunchtime.

A war of words: combatting the spread of disinformation

Dr Mona Krewel is helping the New Zealand Defense Force combat the spread of disinformation and safeguard national security.
Dr James Wenley performing on stage with a microphone and light show in the background.

Performance with a purpose: how theatre can change the world  

Dr James Wenley says performing arts help people explore complex questions about themselves, and are essential to the wellbeing of society.

Professor Ocean Mercier stands in front of marae carvings.

How Indigenous knowledge contributes to a richer understanding of western science

Indigenous science has amassed thousands of years of knowledge. Professor Ocean Mercier's research focuses on exploring how multiple knowledge systems can speak to each other.
Dr Stephen Skalicky standing in front of a dark glass wall.

Understanding irony

Dr Stephen Skalicky draws on language sciences, computation and psycholinguistics to understand how people use satire, irony and humour.
Two people using virtual reality googles in a project demonstration.

How healthcare systems can better serve patients of all body sizes

Associate Professor Caz Hales says peoples’ body size should not be a barrier to accessing healthcare, and providers need to address unconscious weight bias.

A group photo of Billy and Tania with the Alaskan contingent.

The tiny manu helping to teach big conservation lessons

A special bird is at the heart of a community conservation project being led by a group of Whanganui descendants, including researcher Dr Billy Van Uitregt.
Metal bridge with padlocks attached to the mesh siding with blue sea and sky in the background.

Equal treatment? 

What do we want our society to be? With social justice at the heart of her research, Professor Lisa Marriott looks at instances when it's fairer to treat people differently.
Professor Ilan Noy stands in Wellington's lagoon

The cost of climate change: what is the price of not responding to the climate crisis?

Extreme weather, uninsurable communities and global damage: Professor Ilan Noy examines the economic and social costs of climate change and inaction.

Associate Professor Terry Fleming standing inside the cable car holding cell phone.

Leveraging technology to support teenage mental health

Associate Professor Terry Fleming researches scalable ways to leverage digital tools and improve youth mental health.
Associate Professor Su Ballard stands in front of a wall hung with art works in the Adam Art Gallery.

Can art help us see the bigger picture?  

What does art tell us about ourselves? Professor Su Ballard's research shows that art helps us think and feel, and could hold the key to encouraging people to take action on climate change.
Raqi Syed standing in front of a computer screen displaying an animated woman with matching clothing.

Visual effects through an equity lens

Who gets to be a digital human? Raqi Syed explores how enacting equity and diversity in technical art work can lead to meaningful change.

Associate Professor Natalie Plank appears to be standing on a small circut board.

Is the next big breakthrough really, really, really small?

Associate Professor Natalie Plank is working at the cutting edge of nanotech research to find new ways to improve our lives and push the boundaries of what’s possible.