Swinburne's Chief Scientist
Professor Virginia Kilborn is Swinburne’s Chief Scientist, leading Swinburne’s scientific community as a champion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and research across the university.
About Professor Virginia Kilborn
Professor Virginia Kilborn was appointed as Swinburne’s inaugural Chief Scientist in May 2021. She is a renowned radio astronomer who has led a highly successful career delivering research with impact within the local scientific community and on an international scale.
In what is believed to be the first appointment in an Australian university, Swinburne’s Chief Scientist provides leadership in science within and outside the University, driving scientific relationships and policy with government, industry and schools.
Aligned with Swinburne’s Horizon 2025 Strategic Plan where people and technology work together for a better world, Professor Kilborn is dedicated to fostering transformative science that creates genuine social and economic impact.
Key focus areas
Science research
Science education
Science policy and development
Science equity and diversity
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“There has never been a more important time to be involved in science. As we step into the critical challenges of our nation and the world, the scientific voice must be more present.
I am proud to represent that voice and continue to spearhead the great work that fellow scientists are performing at Swinburne and more broadly.”
Professor Virginia Kilborn , Swinburne's Chief Scientist
Representing the scientific voice
After joining Swinburne’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing in 2003, Professor Kilborn has taught undergraduate and postgraduate astronomy and held multiple leadership roles as Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dean of Science, and now as Swinburne’s inaugural Chief Scientist.
Leveraging her extensive astrophysics knowledge and proven leadership experience, Virginia has strategically worked to further education, research, policy and equity at Swinburne and throughout the scientific research community.
Professor Kilborn is an active member of the Australian Astronomical community, a past President of the Astronomical Society of Australia, and current Chair of the National Committee for Astronomy (NCA) with the Academy of Science.
She is also playing a leading role in advancing Swinburne’s science and technology focus and helping guide our learners, educators, and industry partners on the path to a digital, tech-rich future.
Swinburne's space technology capabilities
Learn more about space technology at Swinburne and how we are paving the way by combining our globally renowned capabilities in astrophysics, aerospace, aviation, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Science news
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- Science
- Student News
Swinburne students demonstrate how science can solve social issues
Over 120 Swinburne University Bachelor of Science students created solutions for issues faced by City of Boroondara Council through a scientific lens, using their knowledge in biotech, chemistry, maths, data analysis, engineering and software engineering.
Thursday 26 September 2024 -
- Science
New program to set national standards for radiotherapy treatment means better health outcomes of one million Australians
Swinburne, CSIRO, and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency have partnered on a new program to develop the next generation of national standards for radiotherapy treatment in Australia.
Tuesday 24 September 2024 -
- Science
- Sustainability
Green steel revolution: How Swinburne researchers are shifting steel manufacturing towards net zero emissions
Swinburne is developing new methods to minimise the environmental footprint of one of the world’s most widely used metals.
Friday 20 September 2024 -
- University
Australia’s urgent lack of hydrogen skills addressed by new Swinburne micro-credentials
Swinburne University of Technology is addressing the immediate skills gaps across the burgeoning hydrogen industry through the development of a suite of 11 micro-learning modules.
Read more (Australia’s urgent lack of hydrogen skills addressed by new Swinburne micro-credentials )Friday 23 August 2024 -
- Astronomy
- Science
Swinburne-led fungi experiment blasts off to the International Space Station
An experiment developed by Swinburne has been launched into space, containing three types of fungi: Lion’s Mane, Turkey’s Tail, and Cordyceps.Monday 05 August 2024 -
- Engineering
From solar panel recycling to AI in net-zero building: Swinburne partners in new ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
Swinburne University of Technology is among the recipients of grants worth $64 million by the Australian Research Council (ARC) for the development of two new Industrial Transformation Research Hubs.
Monday 29 July 2024
Explore science with Swinburne's Chief Scientist
For any strategic science-related advice, expert commentary or public engagement requests, please contact Professor Virginia Kilborn at vkilborn@swinburne.edu.au.