University of Canterbury Computer Science & Software Engineering (UCCSSE)

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University of Canterbury Computer Science & Software Engineering (UCCSSE)

The department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Canterbury

The department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE) at the University of Canterbury has a strong international reputation. It teaches courses that are reviewed regularly against international standards, and its graduates are in strong demand. The lecturing staff are also active researchers, and have one of the best records of research publications in the Pacific region. Please refer

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02/09/2026

From undergraduate to Dr and on to the next chapter!

We proudly farewell Dr Amelia Samandari as she heads to the University of Birmingham, where she’ll take up a new role as a lecturer.

Amelia joined CSSE as an undergraduate student and has been an active and passionate member of our community ever since, going on to become a tutor, postgraduate representative, outreach ambassador, PhD researcher, and most recently, a fixed-term lecturer with CSSE.

Her PhD thesis, Medium Access Control for Collision-Free Flight in UAV Formations, explored how communication between drones can be managed to enable safe, collision-free flight in UAV formations.

But Amelia’s impact has extended well beyond her research and teaching. She has been a passionate advocate for encouraging the next generation into computing, regularly inspiring students through outreach initiatives including WiECan and the Programming Competition for Girls.

Most recently, Amelia returned to the classroom as a lecturer, teaching COSC 362: Introduction to Cybersecurity.

From student to Dr, researcher, teacher and mentor, Amelia has contributed so much to the CSSE community. We’re incredibly proud to have been part of her journey and will miss having her around.

Congratulations on your new role, Amelia, and all the very best for your next chapter at Birmingham.

01/09/2026

Last Friday, we welcomed prospective students and their whānau to Rā Tōmene | Open Day, with more than 5,300 registered attendees and many more walk-ins exploring UC.

It was a record-breaking Open Day for Computer Science and Software Engineering, with Professor Tim Bell and Associate Professor Fabian Gilson delivering four presentations to full-house audiences.

Our information stand was just as busy, showcasing the breadth of what our students and researchers are working on. From 3D-printed HCI sensors, to AI-powered autonomous drones and robots, to student software development projects, including third-year team projects and fourth-year industry collaborations.

It was a fantastic opportunity to show future students that computer science and software engineering is about building, creating, solving problems and developing technology that can interact with and change the world around us...far more than just writing code.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success, and especially to our staff and student volunteers who brought CSSE to life for thousands of visitors.

07/08/2026

As we celebrate Peter Glassenbury's retirement, we recognise more than four decades of dedicated service to the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Throughout his career, Pete has been the steady hand behind countless systems, solving problems before most of us even knew they existed and helping keep the department running through decades of change.

Reflecting on Pete's contribution, Systems Manager and Developer Joffre Horlor shared:
"Over those forty-odd years the department has faced many challenges: earthquakes, server crashes, computer thefts, pandemics, moving to a new building, viruses and restructurings. Not all of these were Pete's fault.

But no matter what the universe has thrown at us, Pete's calm, unflappable, deeply capable presence has been a steadying influence for us all. Pete has always just been there, quietly fixing stuff and getting stuff done.

On behalf of the department, thanks Pete for everything you have done for us. We wish you a wonderful retirement."

Thank you, Pete, for your decades of dedication, expertise and quiet leadership. You will be greatly missed, and we wish you every happiness in your retirement.

30/07/2026

After 38 years at the University of Canterbury, we are farewelling Senior Tutor Yalini Sundralingam as she begins her well-deserved retirement.

For more than three decades, Yalini has coordinated our tutors, supporting generations of students and staff with her knowledge, commitment, and care. Her contribution to the teaching community has been immense, and many across the University have benefited from her dedication.

Yalini is known for her warmth, positivity, and ability to bring people together. Outside of work, colleagues have enjoyed sharing in her passion for cuisine, fine w**e, and craft gin, always accompanied by great conversation and plenty of laughs.

Thank you, Yalini, for 38 wonderful years of service, and for the energy and friendship you have brought to CSSE. We wish you all the very best for the next chapter! 🥂

29/07/2026

CSEE recently partnered with Software Innovation NZ (SINZ) to host an industry forum exploring the rapidly evolving impact of Artificial Intelligence on software development and Computer Science education.

The forum brought together researchers, academics, and industry leaders to strengthen connections, identify emerging workforce needs, and explore opportunities for future research and collaboration.

The programme featured collaborative working groups, research lightning talks, student research poster presentations, and an engaging industry panel discussing how AI is reshaping software development, and how universities can adapt their teaching to better prepare graduates for the future.

We were privileged to hear insights from industry experts representing Authorised, CyberCure, Westpac New Zealand, Phocas, Plotwise Labs, and Stratos Technology Partners. Their perspectives will help inform future curriculum development, strengthen industry partnerships, and shape collaborative research initiatives.

A key outcome of the forum will be the development of a white paper containing recommendations for New Zealand universities, helping to shape the future of AI education and workforce development.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to a productive day of discussion, knowledge sharing, and partnership.

09/04/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Francesco Maiorana, high school teacher and University of Catania Computer Science adjunct professor, to the University of Canterbury.

During his visit as an Erskine Fellow, Professor Maiorana is contributing to DATA301, delivering lectures and engaging with our Computer Science Education Research Group. His work brings an international and interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on computer science, wellbeing, and holistic development, helping students think critically about data, algorithms, and the digital world they help shape.

Beyond the classroom, his visit opens exciting opportunities, from future teaching collaborations to exploring new courses in quantum computing, to developing data science curricula that connect secondary and tertiary education across New Zealand and Europe.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Professor Maiorana highlights UC’s strong international reputation, particularly its Computer Science Research Group, which has been the focus of his research for the past 15 years.

08/04/2026

Recently, we welcomed Erskine Fellow Professor Fabiano Dalpiaz from the Department of Information and Computing Sciences at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Professor Dalpiaz is collaborating with Dr Judith Fuchs from the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, exploring trustworthy software and investigating the foundations of trust as artificial intelligence becomes an essential component of modern software systems.

He is also co-teaching SENG404, focusing on software requirements and architectures. Professor Dalpiaz is actively exposing students to generative AI, encouraging them to learn through experience, identifying where GenAI can support their work, as well as recognising its limitations. His approach emphasises the importance of critical thinking to ensure the software they build meets stakeholder needs and is grounded in strong foundations that support software longevity.

Reflecting on his time in Christchurch, Professor Dalpiaz shared that he has felt at home since day one, thanks to the kindness, friendliness, and openness of the people. “The beautiful campus, surrounded by nature, is an ideal place for discussing research and life with colleagues and students.”

17/03/2026

At the start of the semester, our department hosted the annual Software Engineering Final Year Project Meet & Greet, a key moment where study meets industry in a very real way.

With 15 industry representatives in the room and 18 approved project proposals on offer, students had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of real-world software engineering challenges. More importantly, they were able to have genuine conversations with industry partners and academics about project scope, expectations, and the context behind each idea.

These connections are what make capstone projects so powerful, grounding academic learning in real problems, real stakeholders, and real impact. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement and to continue building meaningful partnerships with industry.

23/02/2026

We are delighted to announce that Ehsan Bojnordi had a successful PhD oral examination, with the work accepted subject to minor amendments.

Thesis Title: Enhancing Social Learning in Active Video Watching via Adaptive Comment Recommendations

Supervisors: Tanja Mitrovic, Matthias Galster, Sanna Malinen

22/02/2026

A slightly belated update from the CSSE Department. We are delighted to share that Gus Ellerm successfully completed his PhD oral examination, with the thesis accepted subject to minor amendments.

Thesis: LivePublication: A Framework for Enabling Rich and Evolving Publication Containers with Maturing eScience Technologies

Congratulations to Gus on this outstanding achievement, and also to supervisors Ben Adams and Mark Gahegan for their guidance and support throughout the journey.

Address

96 Ilam Road
Christchurch
8041

Website

http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/engineering/schools/csse/

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