ADM+S Researcher Sarah Erfani wins Award for AI Safety Research
Author ADM+S Centre
Date 11 December 2025
Congratulations to Associate Professor Sarah Erfani, from the University of Melbourne node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S) for being awarded a Young Tall Poppy Award. Sarah was awarded in recognition for her research on AI safety assurance.
Presented by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS), the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards celebrate outstanding early-career researchers who not only excel in their fields but also demonstrate a strong commitment to engaging the public in science. The awards recognise excellence in both research achievement and science communication.
“This award is both humbling and deeply energising, it renews my confidence and inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries of AI safety, ensuring that my research continues to protect and support our communities.” Sarah said.
“This recognition reminds me why I am so committed to this work and motivates me to go even further, both in advancing scientific discovery and in shaping a future where AI genuinely makes a positive difference in everyone’s lives.”
Sarah’s work focuses on developing methods for AI safety assurance, ensuring AI systems operate reliably and transparently. Her research aims to build public trust in AI technologies by enabling stakeholders to safely adopt AI tools in real world situations.
The Young Tall Poppy Awards have been running in Victoria since 1999, with more than 150 researchers recognised for their excellence over that time. The program forms part of AIPS’ broader Tall Poppy Campaign, which aims to encourage a culture that values scientific achievement and public engagement with research.
