Rate My Professor Phil Laufenberg

Phil Laufenberg is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Artificial Intelligence) and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at La Trobe University. He was appointed to the role in 2026 as Australia’s first Pro Vice-Chancellor (AI) and Chief AI Officer. In this position, he reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and provides whole-of-university leadership for AI strategy and investment. Laufenberg leads the development and delivery of La Trobe’s Responsible AI Adoption Strategy, focusing on scaling solutions, embedding AI into core platforms, and ensuring measurable value and accountability. He works with senior academic and professional leaders to drive AI-enabled advancements in learning, teaching, assessment, research, and operations while strengthening data, platform, and security foundations. He commenced in the role on 6 April 2026.

Prior to joining La Trobe, Laufenberg served as Head of AI at Macquarie University, where he led institution-wide AI transformation including governance, platforms, staff capability, and student experience. He established university-wide AI governance frameworks, chaired the AI Governance Committee, and led the deployment of award-winning AI solutions supporting tens of thousands of students and staff. His work at Macquarie received national sector awards for enhancing the student experience. Laufenberg brings more than a decade of experience partnering with universities across Australia to design and deliver AI-enabled learning platforms and enterprise solutions. He has held senior product and technology leadership roles in the education and innovation sector. His career spans three continents and includes experience with technology startups. He is a published author and regular speaker on AI, digital learning, and organisational change.

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