Two UNSW teachers elected Fellows of ATSE

UNSW Sydney Professors Maurice Pagnucco and Yansong Shen are named 2025 Fellows of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

Two main researchers from the Faculty of Engineering have been recognised for his or her work in advancing the sector of synthetic intelligence and creating sustainable applied sciences.

Professor Maurice Pagnucco and Professor Yansong Shen are amongst 35 leading innovators who’ve develop into Fellows of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), following excellent achievement within the fields of utilized science and engineering.

Dean of Engineering Professor Julien Epps congratulated each teachers on their election to ATSE.

“This is a tremendous achievement and well-deserved recognition for Professors Pagnucco and Shen,” Prof. Epps stated. “Prof. Pagnucco is advancing synthetic intelligence that’s each moral and reliable, whereas Prof. Shen is a pacesetter in creating sustainable options for inexperienced metals and photo voltaic panel recycling.

“We’re proud to see their contributions honoured at the national level and look forward to the continued influence they will have on industry, society and the next generation of engineers.”

ATSE President Dr Katherine Woodthorpe stated the brand new Fellows represented the breadth and depth of world-class Australian innovation.

“Our expert Fellows are world leaders – and are working on the game-changing tech and innovations that are helping to solve the most pressing and complex challenges.”

Professor Maurice Pagnucco FTSE

Prof. Pagnucco is an knowledgeable in synthetic intelligence whose work focuses on how machines can motive, study and make choices. His analysis covers areas comparable to robotics, machine ethics and explainable AI. His fascination with computer systems started as a youngster, when he saved up pocket cash from working at his uncle’s bakery in Penrith to purchase a Commodore 64 from his neighbour, who owned a toy retailer.

“I taught myself to program and was fascinated by what computers could do and, perhaps more importantly, what they could not do,” he stated.

That early curiosity grew throughout his college research and PhD, supported by mentors and main researchers who influenced his path into AI.

“This is an incredible honour to be recognised by my peers for contributions to technology and engineering,” Prof. Pagnucco stated. 

“Looking at the list of ATSE Fellows over the years, you easily recognise people who have made outstanding contributions to the country and positioned us as leaders in imagining and developing the future. I look forward to joining them in maintaining Australia’s pursuit of excellence in technology and engineering to make Australia a better place for all and an example for other countries to follow.”