Computer science innovator recognised with Fellowship

The University of Adelaide’s Professor Katrina Falkner, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, has been elected as a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

Professor Katrina Falkner is a top 100 innovator in computer science education. Her work directly addresses inequities in access to technology and aims to build a fairer Australia.

“It is an honour to be elected as a Fellow and a privilege to join this community. I am excited to contribute to the Academy’s ambitions, including building and supporting a diverse STEM workforce capable of addressing the complex problems that our STEM sector works towards,” said Professor Falkner.

"In 2013, 95% of teachers had no education in computer science. I wanted to change this, so I founded the Computer Science Education Research Group (CSER),” she said.

"CSER has worked with more than 45,000 educators across Australia to help them understand how computer science works, how it can be utilised in different subjects, and how it positively impacts children’s futures. Together, we have provided computer science education to more than two million students.”

Professor Falkner has also contributed to a number of key ICT groups, including the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Digital Technologies Stakeholder Board.

Professor Anton Middelberg is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Adelaide.

“I congratulate Professor Falkner for this Fellowship which recognises her mission to revolutionise computer science in education,” said Professor Middelberg.

“Professor Falkner has dedicated more than 20 years to the University of Adelaide, and she is a valued member of our community of world-leading Academicians.”

"In 2013, 95% of teachers had no education in computer science. I wanted to change this, so I founded the Computer Science Education Research Group... Together, we have provided computer science education to more than two million students.”Professor Katrina Falkner, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, at the University of Adelaide.

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering fellows are drawn from academia, industry, government and research organisations. New Fellows contribute to the Academy’s mission of applying science, technology and engineering to solve the big issues facing our nation in a fast-changing world.

Professor Falkner joins recently appointed fellows of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering from the University of Adelaide including Professors Andre Luiten, Peter Langridge, and Ian Reid.

Fellows are elected once a year, and a full list of 2022 fellows can be found on the AATSE website.