UNSW Sydney's Professor Mimi Zou, a global expert in AI governance, law and technology, received the prestigious Flos Greig Trailblazer Award.
One of UNSW's leading legal academics has been recognised for her innovative research and pioneering contributions to the legal profession at the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards . Professor Mimi Zou, Head of the School of Private and Commercial Law, was honoured with the Flos Greig Trailblazer Award, which recognises female leaders who drive innovation in the legal industry. Flos Greig was the first woman in Australia to be admitted as a solicitor, in 1905.
Prof. Zou collaborates with industry, government bodies and organisations globally to advance responsible AI practices and enhance ethical standards in technology use. Her research spans AI governance, blockchain regulation and innovation policy, and she has held senior academic appointments across four continents. She founded Oxford Law Faculty's first deep tech innovation lab in 2019 and an AI legal tech spinout.
The Women in Law Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across the legal sector, highlighting those who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and impact. Prof. Zou was recognised for her influence in a rapidly evolving field and for her work cultivating the future of technology and the law. She was also acknowledged for her leadership of the Next 100 Years of Women in the Law initiative , which recently brought together 100 legal leaders to recognise the past, present and future contributions of women in law.
Prof. Zou said she was honoured to receive the Flos Greig Trailblazer Award.
"It's a privilege to be acknowledged alongside so many inspiring women who are reshaping the legal profession," Prof. Zou said.
"In my work, I am very fortunate to work with incredible colleagues, students and collaborators in Australia and around the world. This award highlights the importance of rigorous, independent research in guiding how we regulate new technologies like AI. I'm proud to be leading the work towards building legal and policy frameworks that are innovative, ethical and future-focused."
Dean of UNSW Law & Justice Professor Andrew Lynch said the faculty was proud to celebrate this achievement.
"Mimi's recognition as Trailblazer of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards is an extraordinary achievement," Prof. Lynch said.
"This honour reflects her pioneering work at the intersection of law and technology and her commitment to shaping the future of legal education, policy and practice. Mimi's leadership and vision continue to open new pathways for innovation and inspire the next generation of lawyers."
Prof. Zou is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and she has held several advisory roles in international organisations and the UK government. Notable appointments include the UK's Responsible Technology Adoption Unit, Senior Data Governance Panel of the UK Ministry of Justice and Judiciary, and the LawtechUK Panel. She has also contributed to international task forces of the G7, World Economic Forum, UNIDROIT, World Bank Group and International Panel on Information Environment.
Prof. Zou was also a finalist for Academic/Researcher of the Year and UNSW student Bouchra Chehimy was shortlisted for the honour of Law Student of the Year.
