Swinburne astronomer makes Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Swinburne University of Technology astrophysicist Dr Sara Webb has made the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for healthcare and science.

Now in its 10th year, the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list recognises a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators with bold visions for the future.  

An internationally respected leader in her field, Dr Webb’s academic, communication, and leadership achievements have reshaped the landscape of astrophysics and science engagement.

She heads up Australia’s longest running International Space Station experimentation program, which enables students to design payloads that are sent into space and worked on by astronauts onboard the International Space Station. 

One of Australia’s youngest tenured astrophysicists, Dr Webb has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers in top journals, including Nature Astronomy. 

She has delivered seminars at Oxford, Cambridge and for the NASA Johnson orbital debris team, and has recently returned from the US after taking part in the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program.  

Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Professor Karen Hapgood said Dr Webb is redefining the intersection of astrophysics, space education and science communication. 

“All of us at Swinburne are incredibly proud of everything that Dr Webb has achieved - all before the age of 30. She is an amazing scientist and leader. The Forbes 30 Under 30 is an incredible honour and one that she truly deserves.” 

“We know that you cannot be what you cannot see. I have no doubt that Dr Webb’s passion for space will encourage more young women to pursue a career in science.”

Dr Webb said she was the first person in her immediate family to go to university, and their unwavering support is the reason she is where she is today. 

“I think the younger me wouldn’t believe it if I told her all I have been able to achieve before 30. I wish I could go back in time and tell my 20-year-old self just how much was waiting for me when I stopped fearing failure.”

“I remember making a list when I was in my first year of my PhD about everything I wanted to try and do in the next decade. It wasn’t a huge list, it was using the Keck telescopes, writing a book, and adopting a dog. I’m proud to say I've completed it and so much more.”  

“That version of me had no idea that I would get to lead payloads sent to the International Space Station, become an expert in the use of AI for astronomy or be invited around the world to share my expertise and passion,” Dr Webb said. 

Swinburne’s Director of Communications, Matt Macklin, who nominated Dr Webb, said this achievement is a testament to her dedication and passion for space. 

“Space is more than stars and planets. The work that Dr Webb is doing is helping us solve some of the biggest problems facing our world today.”

“Dr Webb’s interdisciplinary research, spanning astrophysics, AI, and microgravity science, combined with her mentorship of student researchers, continues to shape how science is taught, communicated, and applied globally,” he said. 

You can read more about the Forbes 30 Under 30 on their website, and the full healthcare and science list here.