Andrew Lensen

Kia ora!

I am a Senior Lecturer (Pūkenga Matua) in Artificial Intelligence (Atamai Horihori) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington (THW-VUW), Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These days, I primarily specialise in explainable and interdisciplinary AI. My research explores AI's social and ethical implications, with applications in ecology, legal decision-making, and more. I am an active science communicator, frequently contributing op-eds, interviews, and expert commentary on AI-related topics (see media).

I also have interests in "fundamental" machine learning, such as genetic programming, unsupervised learning (nonlinear dimensionality reduction), as well as aspects of deep learning, such as embedding/manifold learning methods. For further information about my research, take a look at the projects and publications pages.

🎉 We recently launched an open letter calling on the NZ Parliament to regulate AI using a risk-based approach. Have a read and consider adding your signature!

student opportunities

I currently have a full roster of thesis students and so I am limited in my ability to take on new students. If your research interests align with mine, please still get in touch --- as I can be convinced for the right project! I am also able to host a limited number of visiting students.

collaboration

My interdisciplinary AI research involves collaboration with researchers across many different disciplines. I have some limited capacity for new research collaborations.

Chris McGavin and I have an AI consultancy, LensenMcGavin AI. Check us out and get in touch if you need help with responsible AI: https://lm-ai.nz

teaching

In addition to my research, I also lecture in a range of AI and general computer science courses. My full teaching record is here.

We offer a major in AI at THW-VUW --- the first University in NZ to do so. Take a look. We also have a very strong postgraduate qualification, the Master of AI.

Interested in AI but don't want a full degree --- or missing a programming/maths background? Check out the "Introduction to AI" (AIML 131) I teach, which is a first-year course designed for an audience with no background in AI.