National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN)
Research Chair Program

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Cisco Research connects engineers and researchers from Cisco and world-class research labs from academia, to explore new and promising technologies that are of strategic interest to Cisco’s vision. We are constantly expanding into new areas of research to maximize business, technology and societal impact.

Research Chairs

Prof. Reza Nejabati

Future Networks
Visiting Professor, Curtin University, WA
Professor, University of Bristol, UK

Leading the establishment of the Cisco Curtin Centre for Networks, co-located with Innovation Central Perth

Research topics will include:

  • Cisco Intent based networking
  • Cisco Digital Network Architecture
  • Zero touch networking
  • AI empowered autonomous networks
  • Quantum Internet

Prof. Wei Xiang

AI and IoT
La Trobe University, VIC

Professor of AI and IoT and Director of the Cisco-La Trobe Centre for AI and IoT, based at La Trobe's Bundoora's campus. Wei is engaged with Innovation Central Melbourne and focuses on the development of R&D Strengths around:

  • AI
  • IoT
  • Data analytics
  • Computer vision
  • 5G/6G and IoT communications
  • AI for cybersecurity

Prof. Trish Williams

Digital Health
Flinders University, SA

Professor in Digital Health Systems at Flinders University in South Australia. Co-Director of the Flinders Digital Health Research Centre and Director of the Cisco-Flinders Digital Health Design Lab.

Engaged with developing the Innovation Central Adelaide.

Prof. Flora Salim

Digital Transport
University of New South Wales, NSW

A thought leader in digitisation of transport, based at Innovation Central Sydney.

Focus areas include:

  • Congestion management
  • Safety critical systems
  • Mobility as a service
  • Automation
  • Predictive Services

Dr. Nadine Ostern

Trust, Retail, Logistics and Finance
Queensland University of Technology, QLD

A thought leader in trust, trust management and trust establishment across retail and logistics, based at Innovation Central Brisbane.

Research will bring together and cover areas such as:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Logistics
  • Retail trust
  • Consumer engagement
  • Security
  • Sustainability
  • Cyber security

Prof. Kumudu Munasinghe (interim chair)

Critical Infrastructure, Security & Defence
University of Canberra, ACT

Prof. Munasinghe is the Interim Cisco Research Chair in Critical Infrastructure, Security and Defence. This role will focus on cyber defence strategies, addressing the need to protect sovereign assets.

  • Cyber security
  • Critical Infrastructure
  • Defence