Read about our first AS FSP conference

July 24th, 2023

It was so exciting meeting face-to-face for the first time in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. The conference was held over 2 days from the 16 - 18 November 2022. We heard from the Early Career Researchers right through to an acting Business Unit Director.

Attendees at the first AS FSP conference held in Hahndorf, South Australia.

Here is a message from our Director of the Autonomous Sensors Future Science platform, Dr Yulia Uvarova……..

After a productive and fun three days in Hahndorf, South Australia, I can confidently say the Autonomous Sensors Future Science Platform (AS FSP) is off to a running start.

The AS FSP is a research and development program that will accelerate the generation of new sensing tools to enable the growth of digital decision making.

We will combine the development of fundamental sensor research with autonomous engineering solutions to create new advanced sensing and platform technologies.

Our first meeting gave us all the opportunity to learn about the wide-ranging projects we have committed to.

From creating new sensors to detect biosecurity threats from agricultural products to using autonomous technologies to support our most vulnerable people in the community, our projects demonstrate transformative intentions across many sectors (see our website for a full projects list).

Our projects fall between two themes: Fundamental Sensors and Advanced Engineering for Autonomy.

Fundamental Sensors is led by Brianna Ganly. Brianna is currently on sabbatical at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory but was able to be beamed into the meeting to enthuse the room with an account of the exciting work she in undertaking on sensor calibration for extra-terrestrial rovers. Her theme is focused on improving and developing sensors for new applications; supporting industries that operate from the bottom of our oceans right up to high altitude pseudo satellites.

Andreas Marouchos leads the Advanced Engineering for Autonomy theme. These projects are aimed at working to build technologies to enable and enhance autonomy on sensors connected in platforms and networks.

Underpinning this research is our Prototyping Hub for sensor development. Led by Andrew Filisetti, this was the first time the wider team has been able to workshop the Hub and describe what we want it to be (more on this below).

Another highlight of our meeting was hearing about the unique career pathways followed by CSIRO senior leaders: Lynne Cobiac, (Acting) Director of Health & Biosecurity, and Mark Underwood, Research Program Director in NICMI. Their authentic personal reflections and honesty resonated around the room, reminding us all that there will be difficult times to navigate as well as career highs. The ability to embrace change seemed a key insight for a resilient and long career.

Perhaps the most important thing to emerge from our first conference was a connection to ideas and to working together. We have created an inspiring team from a mix of experienced CSIRO scientists and engineers, supercharged with an influx of new talent from recent postdoctoral fellows fresh to CSIRO.

We know CSIRO’s strength lies in its unique multidisciplinary workforce. Our team is an exemplar of this breadth of expertise and I’m proud of the diversity and skills every team member brings.

I am excited to see what new innovations in autonomous sensor technologies will emerge from the FSP.

Article written by Keirissa Lawson; Communications Advisor for the AS FSP.