Tara Murray
La Trobe University Professor Ani Desai has been named as a Victorian Young Tall Poppy for 2020 by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science.
Awarded last month, the Young Tall Poppy awards recognise the achievements of Australia’s outstanding young scientific researchers and communicators.
Professor Desai, who is a director at La Trobe’s Centre for Technology Infusion in Bundoora, is one of only 12 Victorian scientists named in this year’s awards.
Professor Desai thanked the Australian Institute of Policy and Science for his award.
“I feel proud to receive this recognition for my work, and that of the team at the Centre for Technology Infusion where we are focused on maximising the potential for micro-nano electronics, wireless sensor networks, and artificial intelligence and data analytics to address global problems.”
Professor Desai’s projects have included developing a microchip for condition-monitoring of produce, energy management technology for Australia’s first Zero Emission housing project, digital vehicle identification technology trials for Victorian law enforcement and road authorities, testing and validating race tracking and timing technology for thoroughbred racing and working with the state government to deploy and test the state’s first autonomous vehicle with end-users.
La Trobe deputy vice-chancellor of research and industry engagement Professor Susan Dodds said Professor Desai had developed an impressive profile of research excellence.
“It’s fitting that such a creative, talented, pragmatic individual with a strong track record of developing and delivering practical, commercially relevant innovations to industry, government, partners and clients should be leading La Trobe’s world-leading Centre for Technology Infusion.”
