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Our Team

The founding team includes a mixture of senior, mid-career, and early-career academics from six NZ universities, alongside industry partners.

Trustworthy Technology

Dr Andrew Lensen

Dr Andrew Lensen

Initiative Lead
Victoria University of Wellington
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Prof Michael Winikoff

Prof Michael Winikoff

Researcher
Victoria University of Wellington
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Prof Stephen Cranefield

Prof Stephen Cranefield

Researcher
University of Otago
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Prof Brendan McCane

Prof Brendan McCane

Researcher
University of Otago
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Prof Grant Dick

Prof Grant Dick

Researcher
University of Otago
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A/Prof Hui Ma

A/Prof Hui Ma

Researcher
Victoria University of Wellington
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Dr Emily O’Riordan

Dr Emily O’Riordan

Researcher
Victoria University of Wellington
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Dr Veronica Liesaputra

Dr Veronica Liesaputra

Researcher
University of Otago
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Dr Caitlin Owen

Dr Caitlin Owen

Researcher
University of Otago
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Trustworthy Frameworks

Prof Alexandra Andhov

Prof Alexandra Andhov

Researcher
University of Auckland
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Prof Nick Agar

Prof Nick Agar

Researcher
University of Waikato
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Prof Ali Knott

Prof Ali Knott

Researcher
Victoria University of Wellington
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A/Prof Stephen Hill

A/Prof Stephen Hill

Researcher
Massey University
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Dr Cassandra Mudgway

Dr Cassandra Mudgway

Researcher
University of Canterbury
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Dr Michael Daubs

Dr Michael Daubs

Researcher
University of Otago
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Dr Olivia J Erdelyi

Dr Olivia J Erdelyi

Researcher
University of Canterbury
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Dr Ethan Plaut

Dr Ethan Plaut

Researcher
University of Auckland
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Dr Andrew Richmond

Dr Andrew Richmond

Researcher
Researcher

Trustworthy Systems & Industry

Prof David Eyers

Prof David Eyers

Researcher
University of Otago
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Dr Andrew Chen

Dr Andrew Chen

Researcher
Koi Tū (UoA)
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Dr Heitor Gomes

Dr Heitor Gomes

Researcher
Victoria University of Wellington
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Chris McGavin

Chris McGavin

Industry Partner
LensenMcGavin AI
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Paul Seiler

Paul Seiler

Industry Partner
Deane Sloan

Deane Sloan

Industry Partner
Dave Moskovitz

Dave Moskovitz

Industry Partner
AngelHQ / Director

Mātauranga Māori & Indigenous Innovation

Dr Kevin Shedlock

Dr Kevin Shedlock

Researcher
Victoria University of Wellington
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Prof Hemi Whaanga

Prof Hemi Whaanga

Researcher
Massey University
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Dr Kirita-Rose Escott

Dr Kirita-Rose Escott

Researcher
University of Canterbury
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Dr Jesse Pirini

Dr Jesse Pirini

Executive Chair
Te Matarau a Māui
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International & Industry Connections

RAISE leverages relationships with prominent global researchers such as Prof Yoshua Bengio, Prof Shannon Vallor (BRAID), Prof Stuart Russell, and Prof Virginia Dignum.

RAISE builds on existing relationships domestically with key industry bodies (e.g. AI Forum) to ensure research is commercially relevant.

Governance

We propose establishing a comprehensive governance structure to provide accountability and oversight:

  • Governance Board: A mix of academic, Māori, and industry members.
  • Research Board: International and Vision Mātauranga experts to provide strategic direction.
  • Community Advisory Board: To inform research through engagement with relevant community groups.