3- 03- 2023

In a recent article published by The Australian, cyber security experts discuss that to create a more cyber secure nation, there needs to be greater collaboration between government and industries to enable appropriate mitigations across a range of sectors. 

Katherine Mansted, 2016 Roth/Segal John Monash Harvard Scholar, and Director of cyber intelligence and public policy at Australia’s largest cyber services outfit CyberCX, praised the level of ambition in the government’s plans.

“We’re excited by the government’s bold vision,” said Katherine. “Making Australia the most cyber secure country by 2030 suggests a level of impetus and focus that we haven’t had for some time, and the creation of a new national cyber co-ordinator is a welcome and exciting move for the fact that it will be a civilian entity.”

Dr Matthew Baker, 2005 John Monash Scholar and Dr Hsien Chan, 2006 John Monash Scholar have co-authored a paper ‘Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Melanoma Subtypes Using Reflectance Confocal Images’, which discusses using machine learning to aid diagnosis in dermatology.

The study, which used machine learning to develop classifiers for classifying patient image stacks between two types of melanoma, achieved high accuracy, demonstrating the utility of computer-aided diagnosis to improve expertise and access to reflectance confocal imaging among the dermatology community. 

The theme of International Women's Day 2023 is #Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future. We speak to John Monash Scholars Dr Gemma Sharp, 2007 John Monash Scholar, Emily Ragus, 2021 Judith Neilson Foundation John Monash Scholar 'Cross Sectoral', and Freya Jansens, 2019 Roden Cutler NSW John Monash Scholar about their work in the gender equality space. Read the story here.

How Iceland could have a starring role as a sustainable alternative protein exporter to Northern Europe

Iceland could help address Northern Europe's food security issues with the scaling-up of its industrial production of Spirulina—an alternative protein source that is nutritious, sustainable and risk resilient. Under the most ambitious of estimations, Iceland could be protein self-sufficient and capable of feeding more than six million Europeans every year. 

Dr Catherine Richards, 2017 Origin Foundation John Monash Scholar, has co-authored the feasibility study ‘The Potential Role of Iceland in Northern Europe’s Protein Self-Sufficiency: Feasibility Study of Large-Scale Production of Spirulina in a Novel Energy-Food System’ which explores Iceland's role in supporting Northern European countries to achieve protein self-sufficiency.

"Ultimately, there is a real opportunity here for Iceland to advance its biotechnology industry," said Dr. Richards. "By relocating electricity currently consumed by heavy industry, Iceland could transition to a position as a major and sustainable alternative protein exporter."

John Monash Scholar appointed as General Manager of Defence

Laing O’Rourke has announced the appointment of retired senior officer, former Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, and 2008 John Monash Scholar, Major General Roger Noble AO DSC CSC to the role of General Manager – Defence. 

Major General Noble was the first member of the Australian military to be awarded a John Monash Scholarship. He holds a Masters of International Public Policy (Honours) from Johns Hopkins University, a Masters of Business Administration from Deakin University, a Masters of Defence Studies from the University of Canberra, and a Bachelor of Arts (Military History) with first class honours from the Australian Defence Force Academy. In this new appointment, Major General Noble is said to continue developing Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to clients. 

PODCAST: Life with endometriosis 
Jessica Coldrey and Dr Amy McLennan

In this 50th episode special, we are joined by Jessica Coldrey, 2021 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, and Dr Amy McLennan, 2009 John Monash Scholar, to talk about living with endometriosis and the work they are doing to help the percentage of women globally affected by the disorder.

With the support of the John Monash Foundation Leadership Academy collaborative grants program, Jessica and Amy utilise their diverse expertise and join forces to better understand the disease, which effects one in nine girls and women and those assigned female at birth, and better understand how endometriosis effects women in society. Listen here.

IN THE MEDIA