Amir Karton

I am the Founding Director of the Institute for Strategic AI (ISA) and a Professor of Physical and Materials Chemistry at the University of New England (UNE). ISA is a research institute dedicated to applying artificial intelligence to large-scale challenges across the physical sciences, advanced manufacturing, and the circular economy. The Institute develops AI systems that automate and accelerate scientific discovery, connecting AI-driven workflows directly to an ARC-funded robotic synthesis platform for the autonomous discovery of novel nanomaterials, e-waste recycling technologies, and sustainable energy solutions. I am also a Visiting Scientist at Microsoft AI4Science.

I write on AI policy, data sovereignty, and AI infrastructure, including Australia's data centre boom and the energy transition.

My contributions to the chemical sciences have been recognised by ARC Fellowships (APD, DECRA, Future Fellowship), the Le Fèvre Medal from the Australian Academy of Science, and the American Chemical Society PHYS Division Lectureship Award, among other awards. I serve as an Editor for Chemical Physics Letters and the Australian Journal of Chemistry. As former Chair of UNE's Research Committee of the Academic Board and former Chair of the RACI Inclusion and Diversity Committee, I play a central role in shaping institutional research governance and advancing equity in the sciences.