Overview
Background
I supervise postgraduate research (MPhil/PhD) at the intersection of AI/ML, security and networking. Projects are typically hands-on and data-driven, with an emphasis on building deployable methods and producing publishable outcomes. Current directions include: (i) applied machine learning for security and networked systems; (ii) large language and foundation models for security analytics and automation; and (iii) adversarially robust and continual learning for resilient detection in dynamic environments.
Students in my group typically contribute to open research artefacts alongside publications. Applicants who do well usually have strong programming skills (e.g., Python/C++), a solid foundation in either ML or networking, and a willingness to engage deeply with sound experimental methodology and reproducible research.
About Me
I am a researcher at The University of Queensland working on practical AI/ML for security and networked systems. My research focuses on robust, scalable techniques for detecting and understanding malicious behaviour in modern networks and computing environments, and on methods that remain reliable under evolving threats and shifting data distributions. Current themes in my work include large language and foundation models for security analytics and automation, adversarially robust and continual learning, and explainable machine learning to support trustworthy operational use.
Availability
- Dr Siamak Layeghy is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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AI/ML for Cybersecurity
I develop advanced intrusion detection systems (NIDS and HIDS) using techniques like Transformers, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Transfer Learning to detect and mitigate cyber threats in real time.
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Edge Learning and IoT Security
My work focuses on lightweight AI models for resource-constrained IoT devices, enabling secure and efficient edge computing.
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Software Defined Networking (SDN)
I explore network optimisation and programmable data planes (e.g., P4) to enhance Quality of Service (QoS) and constrained routing for next-generation networks.
Research impacts
Research Vision
My research leverages AI and ML to secure and optimise emerging technologies. By combining advanced techniques like Large Language Models (LLMs), Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), and Federated Learning with practical applications, I aim to create robust, scalable systems for network security, edge computing, and programmable networks. My goal is to address pressing challenges in cybersecurity and IoT, ensuring safe and efficient digital ecosystems.
My Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=uB6MlpQAAAAJ&hl=en
Works
Search Professor Siamak Layeghy’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Other Outputs
NF-CSE-CIC-IDS2018
Sarhan, Mohanad, Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2023). NF-CSE-CIC-IDS2018. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/b9ed88b
2022
Journal Article
Anomal-E: A self-supervised network intrusion detection system based on graph neural networks
Caville, Evan, Lo, Wai Weng, Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2022). Anomal-E: A self-supervised network intrusion detection system based on graph neural networks. Knowledge-Based Systems, 258 110030, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.knosys.2022.110030
2022
Conference Publication
Network intrusion detection system in a light bulb
Manocchio, Liam Daly, Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2022). Network intrusion detection system in a light bulb. 32nd International Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (ITNAC), Wellington, New Zealand, 30 November- 2 December 2022. Piscataway, NJ, United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. doi: 10.1109/itnac55475.2022.9998371
2022
Journal Article
Evaluating Standard Feature Sets Towards Increased Generalisability and Explainability of ML-Based Network Intrusion Detection
Sarhan, Mohanad, Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2022). Evaluating Standard Feature Sets Towards Increased Generalisability and Explainability of ML-Based Network Intrusion Detection. Big Data Research, 30 100359, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bdr.2022.100359
2022
Journal Article
Cyber threat intelligence sharing scheme based on federated learning for network intrusion detection
Sarhan, Mohanad, Layeghy, Siamak, Moustafa, Nour and Portmann, Marius (2022). Cyber threat intelligence sharing scheme based on federated learning for network intrusion detection. Journal of Network and Systems Management, 31 (1) 3. doi: 10.1007/s10922-022-09691-3
2022
Journal Article
HBFL: a hierarchical blockchain-based federated learning framework for collaborative IoT intrusion detection
Sarhan, Mohanad, Lo, Wai Weng, Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2022). HBFL: a hierarchical blockchain-based federated learning framework for collaborative IoT intrusion detection. Computers and Electrical Engineering, 103 108379, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.compeleceng.2022.108379
2022
Conference Publication
Graph neural network-based android malware classification with jumping knowledge
Lo, Wai Weng, Layeghy, Siamak, Sarhan, Mohanad, Gallagher, Marcus and Portmann, Marius (2022). Graph neural network-based android malware classification with jumping knowledge. 2022 IEEE Conference on Dependable and Secure Computing (DSC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 22-24 June 2022. Piscataway, NJ, United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers . doi: 10.1109/dsc54232.2022.9888878
2022
Book Chapter
SCOR: a constraint programming approach to software defined networking
Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2022). SCOR: a constraint programming approach to software defined networking. Horizons in computer science research. Volume 22. (pp. 141-191) edited by Thomas S. Clary. New York, NY United States: Nova Science Publishers.
2022
Conference Publication
E-GraphSAGE: a graph neural network based intrusion detection system for IoT
Lo, Wai Weng, Layeghy, Siamak, Sarhan, Mohanad, Gallagher, Marcus and Portmann, Marius (2022). E-GraphSAGE: a graph neural network based intrusion detection system for IoT. NOMS 2022-2022 IEEE/IFIP Network Operations and Management Symposium, Budapest, Hungary, 25-29 April 2022. Piscataway, NJ, United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers . doi: 10.1109/noms54207.2022.9789878
2021
Journal Article
Towards a standard feature set for network intrusion detection system datasets
Sarhan, Mohanad, Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2021). Towards a standard feature set for network intrusion detection system datasets. Mobile Networks and Applications, 27 (1), 357-370. doi: 10.1007/s11036-021-01843-0
2021
Conference Publication
FlowGAN - Synthetic Network Flow Generation using Generative Adversarial Networks
Manocchio, Liam Daly, Layeghy, Siamak and Portmann, Marius (2021). FlowGAN - Synthetic Network Flow Generation using Generative Adversarial Networks. International Conference on Computational Science and Engineering (CSE), Shenyang, China, 20-22 October 2021. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/cse53436.2021.00033
2021
Journal Article
Deep learning-based cattle behaviour classification using joint time-frequency data representation
Hosseininoorbin, Seyedehfaezeh, Layeghy, Siamak, Kusy, Brano, Jurdak, Raja, Bishop-Hurley, Greg J., Greenwood, Paul L and Portmann, Marius (2021). Deep learning-based cattle behaviour classification using joint time-frequency data representation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 187 106241, 106241. doi: 10.1016/j.compag.2021.106241
2021
Journal Article
Automatic fetal movement recognition from multi-channel accelerometry data
Mesbah, Mostefa, Khlif, Mohamed Salah, Layeghy, Siamak, East, Christine E., Dong, Shiying, Brodtmann, Amy, Colditz, Paul B. and Boashash, Boualem (2021). Automatic fetal movement recognition from multi-channel accelerometry data. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 210 106377, 106377. doi: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106377
2021
Conference Publication
Scaling Spectrogram Data Representation for Deep Learning on Edge TPU
Hosseininoorbin, Seyedehfaezeh, Layeghy, Siamak, Kusy, Brano, Jurdak, Raja and Portmann, Marius (2021). Scaling Spectrogram Data Representation for Deep Learning on Edge TPU. 2021 IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications Workshops and other Affiliated Events (PerCom Workshops), Kassel, Germany, 22-26 March 2021. Piscataway, NJ, United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. doi: 10.1109/PerComWorkshops51409.2021.9431041
2021
Conference Publication
NetFlow datasets for machine learning-based network intrusion detection systems
Sarhan, Mohanad, Layeghy, Siamak, Moustafa, Nour and Portmann, Marius (2021). NetFlow datasets for machine learning-based network intrusion detection systems. 10th EAI International Conference, BDTA 2020 and 13th EAI International Conference on Wireless Internet, WiCON 2020, Virtual Event, 11 December 2020. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-72802-1_9
2020
Journal Article
P-SCOR: integration of constraint programming orchestration and programmable data plane
Melis, Andrea, Layeghy, Siamak, Berardi, Davide, Portmann, Marius, Prandini, Marco and Callegati, Franco (2020). P-SCOR: integration of constraint programming orchestration and programmable data plane. IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, 18 (1) 9311177, 1-1. doi: 10.1109/tnsm.2020.3048277
2019
Conference Publication
Enhancing quality of experience of VoIP traffic in SDN based end-hosts
Al-Najjar, Anees, Layeghy, Siamak, Portmann, Marius and Indulska, Jadwiga (2019). Enhancing quality of experience of VoIP traffic in SDN based end-hosts. 28th International Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference, ITNAC 2018, Sydney, NSW Australia, 21-23 November 2018. New York, NY USA: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. doi: 10.1109/ATNAC.2018.8615286
2018
Other Outputs
SCOR: Software-defined Constrained Optimal Routing Platform for SDN
Layeghy, Siamak (2018). SCOR: Software-defined Constrained Optimal Routing Platform for SDN. PhD Thesis, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2018.820
2018
Journal Article
Flow-level load balancing of HTTP traffic using open flow
Al-Najjar, Anees, Layeghy, Siamak, Portmann, Marius and Indulska, Jadwiga (2018). Flow-level load balancing of HTTP traffic using open flow. Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, 6 (4), 75-95. doi: 10.18080/ajtde.v6n4.166
2017
Journal Article
A new QoS routing northbound interface for SDN
Layeghy, Siamak, Pakzad, Farzaneh and Portmann, Marius (2017). A new QoS routing northbound interface for SDN. Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, 5 (1), 92-115. doi: 10.18080/ajtde.v5n1.91
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Siamak Layeghy is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Machine Learning for Computer Networking
This project aims to harness Machine Learning and AI techniques, with a focus on Large Language Models, for the configuration and management of Computer Networks.
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of AI, software engineering and data science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of computer networking and machine learning and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs) is highly desirable. You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing the Privacy-Preserving ML techniques with Functional Encryption approach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marius Portmann
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Doctor Philosophy
Machine Learning for Improving Services and Management of Software Defined Networks
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marius Portmann
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Master Philosophy
Open-Set, Domain-Invariant Intrusion Detection: Dataset, Methods, and Calibration
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marius Portmann
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Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing Cyberbullying Detection in Arabic Social Media through Explainable AI and Natural Language Processing: A Human-Centric Approach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marius Portmann
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Capabilities of LoRaWAN IoT Technology for Multisensor Data Collection and Analysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sara Dolnicar, Professor Marius Portmann
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Doctor Philosophy
eXtended Management Network System (xNMS)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marius Portmann
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Doctor Philosophy
Low-energy LoRaWAN-based automatic and continuous measurement of organisational environmental performance.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sara Dolnicar, Professor Marius Portmann
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Doctor Philosophy
Adaptive Model Compression for Efficient Multimodal Foundation Models
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mahsa Baktashmotlagh
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Towards Practical Machine Learning Based Network Intrusion Detection
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Marcus Gallagher, Professor Marius Portmann
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
The Detection of Network Cyber Attacks Using Machine Learning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Marcus Gallagher, Professor Marius Portmann
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2023
Master Philosophy
Graph Representation Learning for Cyberattack Detection and Forensics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Marcus Gallagher, Professor Marius Portmann
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Deep Learning at the Edge: Exploring in-situ Classification in IoT
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marius Portmann
Media
Enquiries
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