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The impact of artificial intelligence is being felt in every sector, including industry, government and education. Professor Mimi Zou of UNSW Law & Justice has been recognised for her global leadership on AI governance. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world. Globally, lawmakers governing this new phase of technological evolution are trying to keep up. 

An internationally leading expert on AI governance, UNSW Sydney Professor Mimi Zou, has been recognised with the prestigious Global Australian Award 2024, which showcases the profound impact that Australians have on the world.

Winning in the Technology category, Prof. Zou, who is Head of the School of Private & Commercial Law at UNSW, has been celebrated for her outstanding global contributions to understanding the intersection between technology, innovation, law and policy.

In response to receiving the award, Prof. Zou said, “I am deeply honoured to be recognised among such an esteemed group of individuals. As an Australian who has called four continents home, I've learned that our unique perspective – combining optimism, practical innovation, and a commitment to the ‘fair go’ – is exactly what's needed to ensure AI benefits all of humanity.”

The Global Australian Awards, presented by Advance Global Australians, honour the remarkable achievements of Australians worldwide, as well as international alumni of Australian universities. Other winners at this year’s awards include UNSW alumni Shemara Wikramanayake (CEO and Managing Director of Macquarie Bank) and Jonathan Lui (Airtasker co-founder). Actress Margot Robbie and Tottenham Football Club coach Ange Postecoglou were also recognised with awards. 

Advancing AI governance

Prof. Zou, who also holds a visiting fellowship at the University of Oxford, has been acknowledged for her pioneering work on emerging technologies and the law. Her research has influenced policy and practice in this rapidly evolving field. In a previous appointment at Oxford, she founded its first lawtech innovation lab and a VC-backed AI spinout.

Prof. Zou has held several high-profile advisory roles in international organisations and the UK government. Notable appointments include the UK’s Responsible Technology Adoption Unit (formerly Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, the UK government expert body on responsible AI), Senior Data Governance Panel of the UK Ministry of Justice and Judiciary, and the LawtechUK Panel. She has also been appointed to international task forces of the G7, World Economic Forum, UNIDROIT, World Bank Group and International Panel on Information Environment. 

Prof. Zou has won many accolades for her professional achievements, but she joked that the Global Australian Awards was the first time she was recognised alongside a movie star, sports coach and celebrity chef.

“This may be the first and last time that my name is on a list of awardees that includes Margot Robbie, Ange Postecoglou and Skye Gyngell!” 

Professor Andrew Lynch, Dean of UNSW Law & Justice, said Prof. Zou’s impact was being felt far beyond academia, into the realm of government, business and industry. 

"Mimi’s recognition is a mark of her dedication and the high calibre of research conducted at UNSW,” he said. 

“Through her commitment to advancing AI governance, she has paved the way for more ethical and inclusive technology practices worldwide. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the positive impact she has made internationally.”

As one of the youngest law academics to be appointed to a full professorship, Prof. Zou has been on a journey that is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious British Academic Talent Development Award, as the first legal scholar to receive this honour. Prof. Zou was also named a finalist for the UK Women of the Year and won the Sydney University UK Alumni Association Award. She was also recognised as one of the inaugural 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians Awards and was a Young Australian of the Year finalist. 

She has been called to the Bar in England and Wales and admitted as a solicitor in NSW. She graduated with BCL (Distinction) and DPhil in Law degrees from the University of Oxford, as a Commonwealth Scholar and Oxford-Australia Scholar. 

The Global Australian Awards highlight the exceptional talent, ambition and vision of Australians globally and alumni of Australian universities around the world. A record number of nominations were received in 2024.

The prestigious judging panel, led by Professor Sir Edward Byrne AC, includes Jillian Broadbent AO, Michelle Garnaut AO, Darren Burns, Arthur Sinodinos AO, Andrew Liveris AO, Lord Michael Hintze AM, Joseph Kwok, and Alexie Glass-Kantor.