Dr Michael Hobbs is an academic leader at Deakin University with over 20 years of experience in information technology and distributed systems. He has been instrumental in transforming the School of IT into Australia’s largest, driving growth in staff, student enrolments, and research while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion. Michael is passionate about innovative teaching and curriculum design, nationally recognised for quality assurance and accreditation leadership. His research applies IoT, AI, and distributed systems to real-world challenges in safety and sustainability, complemented by strong industry partnerships that enhance student opportunities and community impact.