We are thrilled to announce that ANU School of Cybernetics was awarded a Bronze award in the “Developing Emerging Skills and Competencies” category at the 2023 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education Awards held at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. This prestigious event recognises education innovators who are paving the way for the future of learning, with a particular focus this year on the intersection of technology, interdisciplinary approaches, and experiential learning.
This honour places ANU’s cutting-edge work on the global stage, highlighting our role in shaping a forward-looking educational model that equips students with the skills needed for navigating complex societal challenges.
Cybernetics for Societal Transformations: A Vision for Safe, Sustainable and Responsible Futures#
The submission highlighted the school’s focus on interdisciplinary, hands-on learning and its unique ability to address real-world issues which resonated with QS Reimagine Education’s mission to support transformative education.
Our education initiatives aim to cultivate a new generation of practitioners who can engage thoughtfully with technology, governance, and policy to foster safe, sustainable, and responsible futures. In her reflections, Engagement and Impact Lead,Sherice Kazzi emphasised the importance of this mission, noting, “The School of Cybernetics is dedicated to creating education experiences that move beyond traditional frameworks. We’re preparing our students to become leaders in an interconnected and ever-evolving world.”
Reflections from the QS Reimagine Education Conference#
Thomas Biedermann Senior Lecturer, reflected on the 2023 conference which spotlighted global trends in higher education, including a rising demand for resilience, creativity, and adaptability “There is an urgent call for institutions to move from rethinking to actively implementing new educational models. Discussions emphasised the significance of soft skills and work-integrated learning pathways in building graduates who can thrive in uncertain and dynamic contexts”. “Additionally, the intersection of AI, extended reality, and curriculum reform was highlighted as a key area for deepening student engagement and personalisation”.
A Growing Network of Innovators#
As a bronze award recipient, ANU Cybernetics joins an esteemed group of international education leaders. Australia demonstrated a remarkable presence this year, securing several awards across various categories, including Curtin University for Diversity and Inclusion and RMIT for Experiential Learning.
The conference fostered meaningful connections, paving the way for future collaborations with prominent institutions and thinkers worldwide. Notable interactions included discussions with educational leaders from the University of Hong Kong, Imperial College London, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. These conversations underscored the growing recognition of cybernetics as a critical field for supporting educational and societal transitions.
Winning this award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the vision of ANU’s School of Cybernetics to bring about change in education that resonates globally. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and preparing students with the skills they need to create safe, sustainable, and responsible futures. We extend our gratitude to QS Reimagine Education for this honour and to our partners and colleagues who continue to inspire our journey. Together, we look forward to advancing the field of cybernetics and contributing to the future of education worldwide.