Swinburne awards honorary doctorates to three inspiring trailblazers

Swinburne has recognised the outstanding contributions and successes of Julian Burnside AO QC, Dr Amy Shi-Nash and Ian Dicker AM by awarding them Honorary Doctorates.  

The three leaders in their fields have had a significant influence on Swinburne and many areas of society, including the business community, data science, philanthropy and the law.

Julian Burnside AO QC

Julian Burnside was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the legal profession and his support for Swinburne’s Law School.

Mr Burnside is a member of Swinburne Law School’s Advisory Board. He is also a founding member of the Victorian Society for Computers and Law and has a strong interest in new technologies, which has influenced Swinburne Law School’s interest and focus on the future of law. 

He is widely recognised and commended for his human rights work, including several major cases on behalf of refugees and Indigenous Australians. For example, in 2007, he successfully appeared in Bruce Trevorrow’s landmark case, which led to membership of the Stolen Generation being recognised as a basis for legal compensation for the first time in Australian history.

Together with his wife, Mr Burnside set up the ‘Spare Rooms for Refugees’ and ‘Spare Lawyers for Refugees’ programs, which provide free accommodation and legal representation to refugees in Australia.

In 2009, Mr Burnside was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his work as a human rights advocate, and for his services to the arts and the law.

Dr Amy Shi-Nash

Dr Amy Shi-Nash was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Information and Communication for her leadership in the fields of data science, and her impressive track record in promoting data-driven culture and innovation across several large industry sectors.

Dr Shi-Nash has a PhD in data mining, a Masters in artificial intelligence and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Dr Shi-Nash is the Global Head of Data Analytics and Data Science at HSBC, where she promotes data science best practice globally. Before that, she was General Manager of Group Data Science at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and responsible for driving business transformation and customer experience through data science.

Dr Shi-Nash is currently Chair of Swinburne’s Data Science Research Institute Industry Advisory Board, providing the university with valuable insights on engaging with research and industry.

As an active role model and champion for diversity and inclusion in the field of data science, Dr Shi-Nash regularly speaks at events promoting women in STEMM. She is also a co-inventor and co-author of multiple patents and publications.

Ian Dicker AM

Swinburne has awarded Ian Dicker an Honorary Doctorate of Business for his leadership in business and philanthropy.

Mr Dicker’s service to the community is diverse and far-reaching. As the head of Victoria’s Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, he famously donated one year’s salary to the Black Saturday recovery. He is also renowned for his influence on the direction and success of the Hawthorn Football Club, helping secure the club’s future in the face of a merger as the club’s president from 1996 – 2005.

In 2011, Mr Dicker established the Barbara Dicker Brain Sciences Foundation, following the passing of his wife. The Foundation’s aim is to improve the lives of people affected by neurological and psychological disorders. The Foundation provides seed funding grants to researchers from Swinburne’s Centre for Mental Health, which has led to first-time discoveries and significant breakthroughs in research.

Mr Dicker has also made significant contributions to the Australian business community as Managing Director of Ansell International for 15 years, and owner and chair of Steritech since 1990.

In 2010, he was made a member (AM) in the General division of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Victoria, to Australian Rules football, and to business.

Media enquiries