Technology regulation expert Melissa de Zwart, a recent addition to the College of Business, Government and Law, explains her work, her pride in South Australia and how an energetic new hobby kept her busy during lockdown.
What is your role and what does your work focus on?
I’m Professor of Digital Technology, Security and Governance in the Jeff Bleich Centre, College of Business, Government and Law. My work focuses on the regulation of technology, with a particular emphasis on the internet and on outer space. These are areas where the law is still developing and where decisions being made regarding regulation of technology, both in Australia and internationally, can have profound effects on the uses of those technologies. Outcomes will have significant implications for our society, our culture, our wellbeing and our economy.
What journey brought you to this point in your career?
My fascination with law and technology, especially the profound effect that the internet has on our day-to-day interactions and how we work, started when I was leading the in-house legal team at CSIRO. I became aware very early on that the internet would be a game changer for all aspects of our lives. I also developed a passion for supporting and facilitating the commercialisation and success of Australian technology. We have achieved amazing success in Australia in areas such as launching a satellite to space and inventing wi-fi, but we are not very good at recognising and celebrating that. I seek to use my legal knowledge to build ethical, successful and sustainable pathways for technological advancement for the benefit of Australia.
Can you describe a challenge in your life and how you dealt with it?
Every day should be a challenge. As academics we have the privilege and responsibility to ask big questions and solve the problems we find. It’s a challenge to stay focused on one key question before moving on to the next one. It’s also a challenge when we find a question we cannot answer. Every day there is more to be done, so my best piece of advice is to just keep moving ahead.
What is something you are most proud of?
A few years ago, I took a group of international visitors and students to Woomera, and with the help of some friends, we were able to go right out to the shores of Lake Hart and stand opposite the launch site where a satellite made in South Australia was propelled into space. The awe on the faces of those international visitors, who were aware of the role Woomera played in the early days of space exploration, was truly inspirational.
I’m proud of the fact that Australians are creators and inventors of wondrous technology and often the world leaders in innovation and creativity. I was especially proud to be a South Australian that day: “Rocket launches? Yes, we can do that! Home-made satellites? No worries, mate.”
What does a normal day look like for you?
Much of my work involves liaising with colleagues in the US, so a work day may involve a 6.30am video conference. After that I catch up with the overnight developments in the news and my email. I’m working on several research projects simultaneously, such as a project on the deployment of constellations of satellites in Low Earth Orbit, considering if their use complies with international space and telecommunications law.
I keep in touch with my PhD students and my research assistants, and we identify a thousand new topics and questions that we need to resolve. Hopefully, at the end of each day I can find the time to go for a run, walk the dog, watch some Netflix and get enough rest to get up at 4am to watch the soccer from Europe.
How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?
Running. Having taken up running later in life, I’m amazed by how addictive it can be. I am so grateful that even during the difficulties of COVID-19, most days I can get to run outside. Every day I stop to marvel at how lucky we are to live in Adelaide, with its beautiful parks and beaches.