Macquarie Uni’s AI chief heads to La Trobe

Macquarie Uni’s AI chief heads to La Trobe

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/macquarie-unis-ai-chief-heads-to-la-trobe-623997

Publish Date: 2026-03-04 08:01:00

Source Domain: www.itnews.com.au

Here’s a summary of the article in an unordered list:

– La Trobe University hires Macquarie University’s Phil Laufenberg as its inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Artificial Intelligence) and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer.
– Laufenberg’s dual roles will focus on AI strategy and technical deployment at La Trobe.
– This appointment aims to establish La Trobe as an “AI-first” university, with a goal to provide access to advanced AI tools to all staff and students by the end of the year.
– Laufenberg will guide La Trobe in incorporating proven AI solutions while enhancing its data and security measures.
– Previously, Laufenberg led the development and deployment of Macquarie’s generative AI assistant, ChatMQ, for its staff.
– Laufenberg will manage the integration of various large language models like those from OpenAI, Anthropic, and future plans to include Google’s Gemini, into ChatMQ.
– His extensive background includes roles in AI education startups, web3 training, and virtual learning companies.
– Laufenberg can commence his role at La Trobe remotely from Sydney without relocating to Melbourne.