Extreme Data Science
This webinar explores the use of data science in extremes, from macroscopic environments to microscopic science, extremely expensive data, elite and Olympic athletes, and from deep weather to deep brains.
Webinar Video:
The speakers:
- Associate Professor Kate Helmstedt
- Dr. Brodie Lawson
- Associate Professor Paul Wu
- Dr. Aiden Price
- Professor Divya Mehta
Moderator: Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen
Our panel:
Associate Professor Kate Helmstedt: Macroscopic environments – Safeguarding the Antarctic
A/Prof Kate Helmstedt’s research is focused on developing mathematical and data science methods to help understand and protect ecosystems and species. Her work draws upon expertise in operations research, decision science, mathematical modelling, and mathematical ecology. She leads the QUT Applied Mathematical Ecology Group (AMEG), a group of around 30 academics, postdocs, and students using mathematics and data science to tackle questions about ecological systems. A/Prof Helmstedt leads question-driven research that is aimed at solving real, urgent ecological management problems. She works on threatened ecosystems including Antarctica, Great Barrier Reef, and areas where biodiversity is under threat from agriculture and land clearing.
Dr Brodie Lawson: Extremely expensive data
Dr. Brodie Lawson is a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the QUT Centre for Data Science and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture. His research concentrates on using Bayesian statistics to better use and understand computer simulations of physical systems. These have included electrical signalling in the heart, hormone signalling in plants, and optimal tomato growth in commercial glasshouses.
Associate Professor Paul Wu – The 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, and beyond
Paul Wu is an Associate Professor in the School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and an Industry Research Fellow in a strategic partnership between QUT, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). Dr Wu has research interests in developing and applying Bayesian statistical methods and algorithms to understand and make predictions about complex systems, including Dynamic Bayesian Network and Hidden Markov Models, functional data, and stochastic queuing systems. He is also passionate about their application in partnership with industry, with contributions in sports, ecology, and airports, recognised with ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical frontier award for Impact and Engagement (2020), Vice Chancellor’s Award for Partnership and Engagement Excellence (2023) and Centre for Data Science Trans-disciplinary Research Excellence Award (2024).
Dr. Aiden Price: Deep weather – floods
Dr.Aiden Price works as a Research Associate in the Centre for Data Science as project manager on the AusEnHealth Project: a national environmental health strategic planning digital twin. Dr. Price’s research is currently focused on spatial and temporal analyses of environmental and population health data, identifying the impact of bushfires on human health, and conservation-focused work through the lens of aesthetics in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Professor Divya Mehta: Deep brains – psychiatric genetics
Professor Divya Mehta is a geneticist and biostatistician and co-leads the Sports Systems and AI Domain, Centre for Data Science at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She is group leader, Stress Genomics group at QUT, focussing on the identification of risk and protective factors for human health and well-being, with a focus on the drivers and buffers of stress and stress-related disorders across different groups including athletes, emergency responders and veterans. Through the investigation of epigenetic mechanisms, her research aims to understand the dynamic changes in gene activity through positive lifestyle factors of exercise, belonging and social support. She has published over 115 scientific articles and five invited book chapters and her research has attracted funding with over $21 Million from government, industry and philanthropic funding sources. Prof. Divya Mehta has won several accolades based on her research and engagement including the Superstar of STEM 2021-2022 and the Young Tall Poppy 2021, as an advocate and role model for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen, Moderator
Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen has dedicated over three decades to revolutionising Bayesian statistics and its application in data science, forging new pathways that merge statistical theory with machine learning and AI. As a pioneer in Australia’s data science landscape, she founded one of the country’s first university centres in Data Science and established the Australian Data Science Network, linking over 40 research entities. Her groundbreaking statistical contributions span spatio-temporal modelling, MCMC algorithms, expert prior elicitation, sensor and citizen science data, and privacy-preserving federated learning. These innovations have powered high-impact applications such as the award-winning Australian Cancer Atlas and Virtual Reef Diver, influencing health policy and environmental conservation. With nearly 400 publications, numerous prestigious honours, and leadership roles across international societies, Professor Mengersen continues to shape global data science—especially through her passionate mentorship of over 90 postgraduate students.
Details:
| Start Date: | 11/07/2025 [add to calendar] |