Academics from Southern Cross Institute (SCI) presented their research work on the international stage at the AIMBIG Oceania 2026 Conference, held at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) on 22–23 May 2026.

Representing SCI were Dr Hom Nath Dhungana, Dr Radhika Kuttala, Dr Eric Howard, and Associate Professor Anju Kalluvelil Janardhanan. The team presented their research paper, “Who Decides Best? A Rapid Systematic Review of AI, Human, and Hybrid Decision-Making in Higher Education Admissions,” which attracted strong interest and received highly positive feedback from conference delegates and reviewers. The research examines the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education admissions and contributes to important global discussions on how AI, human expertise, and hybrid approaches can support decision-making processes in universities.

Another highlight of the conference was the keynote presentation delivered by Dr Hom Nath Dhungana on “The Hidden Cost of AI: Balancing Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence in the Future of Society”. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and innovation, Dr Dhungana was honoured with the prestigious Global Excellence Award.

The achievements of the SCI team reflect the Institute’s growing research profile and its commitment to advancing innovation, knowledge creation, and international collaboration in higher education.

SCI congratulates Dr Dhungana, Dr Kuttala, Dr Howard, and Associate Professor Janardhanan on their outstanding accomplishments and looks forward to their continued contributions to impactful research and academic excellence.