Sensing the Future: Smart Technologies for NSW and National Resilience

Professor Ben Eggleton

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), the University of Sydney
and founding Co-Director of the NSW Smart Sensing Network

presents

Sensing the Future: Smart Technologies for NSW and National Resilience

Smart sensing technologies integrate advanced sensors in the physical world with real-time computing, connectivity and artificial intelligence, to deliver continuous situational awareness and inform timely responses.

Smart sensing is transforming how we manage our natural environment, built infrastructure and key industries. It is strengthening responses to hazards such as bushfires, lifting productivity, and creating new opportunities for advanced manufacturing and high-value jobs in NSW.

This capability is being advanced through two initiatives of national significance. The NSW Smart Sensing Network was established in 2016 with NSW Government support. Jointly led by the University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney, NSSN connects NSW and ACT universities to translate world-class research into practical solutions for industry, government and communities.

The RAAF–established Jericho Smart Sensing Laboratory was subsequently launched in 2019 at the University of Sydney and accelerates next-generation smart sensing systems and sovereign capability to strengthen Australia’s national security.

In this seminar, founding NSSN co-director Professor Ben Eggleton will highlight how smart sensing technologies are revolutionising remote health monitoring and situational awareness in defence contexts. He will show how smart sensing is already delivering tangible benefits for NSW and Australia, and how it can play a central role in strengthening national resilience, security and future economic growth.

About the Speaker

Professor Ben Eggleton

Professor Ben Eggleton is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney. A distinguished leader in photonics and smart sensing, he is internationally recognised for his contributions to nonlinear optics, optical signal processing and advanced sensing technologies.

Ben is the founding Co-Director of the NSW Smart Sensing Network, a state-wide initiative connecting universities, industry and government to accelerate the deployment of sensing technologies for economic growth and resilience.

He previously served as Director of the University of Sydney Nano Institute and currently directs the Jericho Smart Sensing Laboratory, which he established in 2019.

Ben was Editor-in-Chief of APL Photonics (2015–2025) and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, IEEE and Optica.

He has authored more than 500 refereed journal papers, attracting over 50,000 citations, and his work underpins applications across defence, communications, environmental monitoring and health.

Breakfast Seminars

The Science & Research Breakfast Seminar Series is held at the Strangers’ Function Room at Parliament of NSW, Sydney.

Where: Parliament of NSW. Entry is via Macquarie Street, Sydney. Guests are required to undergo routine security screening.

Time: Breakfast, tea and coffee are served from 7.30am.

The seminar starts at 8am sharp and concludes by 9am. Tea and coffee is also available afterwards.

RSVP: By 5pm on Monday 4 May 2026

IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION
When making multiple bookings, please include the names of all who are attending, to ensure they have a nametag on the day.

For further information or for any accessibility requests email events.rsvp@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au  or call (02) 9228 3347