Monash University launches human-centric software engineering lab, HumaniSE

Monash University has today announced a new research program with a focus on engineering intelligent, human-centred future software systems.

The HumaniSE Lab will form part of the Faculty of Information Technology and will aim to incorporate unique human needs and abilities into software engineering practices.

According to Professor John Grundy, HumaniSE Lab Director, “HumaniSE Lab will focus on the inclusion of peoples' unique qualities such as their age, culture, gender, cognitive ability, emotions and personality, into creating new software solutions.”

He said while the purpose of software is to solve human problems, the development techniques that currently exist exclude the diverse nature of the human experience in end users.

“Our work will create a world-first evidence-base of human-centric modelling, tools, and processes for future software engineers while improving their productivity and reducing costs.”

The four themes that the research will focus on include engineering future AI driven systems, machine learning intelligence for human benefit, trust, security, privacy and transparency in future software, and advancing research in human-led design to create future software that meet human needs.

According to Faculty of IT Dean, Professor Ann Nicholson, “Research resulting from HumaniSE Lab projects are sure to create real-world impact for the software engineering sector that will be felt throughout the global community.”

International teams from Canada, Singapore, Vienna and the US are set to collaborate on the project, with the Australian team focussed on working with local and federal government agencies as well as community organisations and health, finance and software industry collaborators.

“We are proud that in addition to the thought leadership of researchers like Professor Grundy, the HumaniSE Lab also includes researchers from varied diverse backgrounds along with a majority of female researchers in a male-dominated sector,” Nicholson said.

Australian Research Council’s Laureate Fellowship, Discovery Project and Industry Transformation Funding Schemes in partnership with Monash University support the HumaniSE Lab and it is launching at Clayton campus this afternoon.

(L to R) Monash University Faculty of IT Dean Professor Ann Nicholson, Lab Director Professor John Grundy, Monash University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Ryan