It is both an honour and a privilege to serve as President of the IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (SMC) Society in 2026. I step into this role with deep enthusiasm and optimism for what we can achieve together. The year ahead presents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen our Society’s impact at the intersection of systems science, human-centred technologies, and cybernetics—areas that are increasingly central to addressing global challenges and shaping a sustainable, technology-enabled future.
Our mission remains clear and enduring: to advance theory, practice, and applications that integrate systems thinking, human factors, and intelligent technologies for the benefit of global society. In 2026, we will pursue this mission through coordinated initiatives and strategic priorities designed to propel the SMC Society forward with clarity of purpose and renewed momentum.
The strength of the SMC Society lies in its inherently cross-disciplinary nature. We will actively support initiatives that bridge disciplines and technical communities, particularly in emerging and high-impact areas such as human–AI collaboration, autonomous and cyber-physical systems, trustworthy and ethical AI, digital twins, and complex systems for sustainability and resilience. Collaboration across technical committees and with other IEEE societies will be encouraged to amplify SMC’s innovation capacity and global relevance.
Our members are the lifeblood of the SMC Society. From students and early-career professionals to experienced researchers and industry leaders, every member plays a vital role in our collective success. As a truly international Society, we will continue to support our chapters, conferences, and technical activities worldwide. By leveraging digital platforms and inclusive engagement models, we will expand access, foster collaboration across regions, and strengthen a vibrant global community that transcends geographical boundaries.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to our past Presidents and Governing Board Members for their exemplary leadership, dedication, and service to the Society. Their vision, commitment, and stewardship have laid a strong foundation for SMC’s growth and success, and their contributions continue to shape our strategic direction. As President, I pledge to work closely with all stakeholders—members, volunteers, technical committees, chapters, industry partners, and IEEE leadership—to bring our community together with a shared sense of purpose. Through collaboration and bold thinking, we will propel the SMC Society into a new era of relevance, impact, and leadership. I look forward to working with each of you to shape a future where the SMC Society continues to thrive and make meaningful contributions to humanity.
President, IEEE SMC Society
Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
