Dr Muneera Bano

Biography

My journey in the world of STEM is a story of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to gender equity. In 2019, I was honored with the title of 'Most Influential Asian-Australian Under 40,' a recognition of my impactful work and remarkable achievements, as a celebrated Superstar of STEM, I am committed to challenging societal norms and transforming the perceptions of scientists from diverse backgrounds.

My leadership and dedication to fostering inclusion and diversity in STEM have gained global recognition. In 2021, the Government of Pakistan honored me as an under-40 leader in science and innovation, acknowledging my extraordinary contributions and my pioneering role in advancing equity and inclusion in STEM in Australia. My profound dedication to diversity and inclusion has made me a champion for women in STEM, a role in which I thrive as a sought-after speaker, accomplished writer, and vocal advocate for #WomenInSTEM.

Throughout my career, I have received numerous accolades, including being a finalist for Google Australia’s Anita Borg Award for Women in Computer Science in 2015 and receiving the Schlumberger Faculty For The Future Award for Women in STEM in 2014 and 2015. I was also awarded the ‘Distinguished Research Paper Award’ at the International Requirements Engineering Conference in 2018. In recognition of my contributions, I was granted the Dr. John Yu Fellowship for ‘Cultural Diversity and Leadership’ at Sydney University in 2019 and completed the ‘Pathways to Politics’ leadership program at Melbourne University in 2021.

I completed my PhD in Software Engineering from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2015 and have since contributed to nearly 50 articles in prestigious international journals and conferences. My research interests lie at the intersection of socio-technical domains of software engineering and human-centered technologies, with a particular focus on responsible AI and promoting diversity and inclusion in AI. Currently, I continue my impactful work at CSIRO's Data61, where I am not just a researcher but a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women in STEM.