Professor Sharma is a former Chair of University Academic Board and currently Professor of Computer Science at the University of Canberra (2014-2019). He had been the Dean of the Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering from 2007-2012 and as Head of School of the School of Information Sciences and Engineering from 2004-2007. He has assumed various senior leadership roles in universities for over twenty years and had been made a University Distinguished Professor in 2012.

Prof Sharma’s research background is in the Artificial Intelligence areas of Planning, Data Analytics and Knowledge Discovery, Predictive Modeling, Constraint Processing, Fuzzy Reasoning, Brain-Computer Interaction, Hybrid Systems and their applications to health, education, security, digital forensics and sports. He has published over 310 research papers, and other research and applied articles. He has supervised to completion over 36 higher degrees research students and over 87 Hons and Master’s level projects. He has received several competitive research awards and grants, and recognition for his academic and research leadership initiatives. He has developed and led a strong industry and international university partnerships for courses, research and innovation.

Prof Sharma has regularly served on several industry, academic, and research bodies including company boards, government advisory and policy committees. He had completed his PhD in AI from ANU and postgraduate qualifications in Computer Science from the University of New South Wales and postgraduate and undergraduate qualifications in Mathematics and Science from USP. He has been an academic for over 40 years.

Prof Sharma was recognised as part of the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours with the award of Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to computer science and higher education.