Deakin University secures $2 million to transform Australia's electoral process

The university is working on an innovative system so that the voters will not have to wait longer in a queue to vote and this problem can be tackled through a smart tech scheduling solution.

Study in Australia: Deakin University's Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) is working on a groundbreaking project to transform the experience of Australian voters. Under a three-year alliance with the  Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), Deakin University is trying to reduce the waiting time during the voting through a smart tech scheduling solution.

The project is reportedly in its second phase. It now has secured a whopping $2 million from the AEC so that the university can continue with the project and come up with the web-based solution before the next election.

Associate Professor Johnstone said, "Phase one of our work focused on the electoral planning side and was used at the 2022 federal election and the 2023 Voice Referendum."

"The partnership will focus on developing advanced analytical tools and techniques to improve the accuracy of electoral forecasting, optimise resource allocation, and enhance the overall efficiency of the electoral process for both the AEC and the voting public," added the Professor.

Associate Professor Michael Johnstone has delivered multiple government projects which are multi-disciplinary research-based projects. He has extensive experience in simulation-based optimisation techniques and in developing digital twins.

Professor Liz Johnson to retire next year

Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin has announced that Deakin Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson had an extremely successful term as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and he has decided to retire next year by March 2025.

"Liz began her Deakin career as Pro Vice-Chancellor Teaching and Learning in September 2014, taking up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education in 2019 where she oversaw Deakin's ambitious curriculum reform and management of the student learning experience. In February 2022, in line with broader changes to her portfolio, Liz took up the role of Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic," said the Vice-Chancellor.

"The impact Liz has had on Deakin’s teaching and learning endeavour and her commitment to our University over the last decade has been immense and I am incredibly grateful for her service. We will commence a recruitment process in September to identify Liz’s successor as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic," added the Vice Chancellor.

Read more:

• US-India Strategic Partnership Forum announces third edition of INDUS-X Summit
• Nam Can Tho University, Vietnam, and DU Ink MoU to Promote Educational and Cultural Exchange