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
- Aviation
- Sustainability
- Engineering
Australian-made sustainable powders to drive the future of advanced manufacturing
A high-tech spinout from Swinburne University of Technology will deliver Australian-made High Entropy Material (HEM) powders, developed from recycled industrial feedstocks, to advanced manufacturing and 3D printing facilities.
- University
- Astronomy
- Science
‘Big Wheel’ disk galaxy discovered accidentally by international team
An international team involving Swinburne University of Technology has discovered a giant spiral disk galaxy in the early cosmos.
- University
- Engineering
- Sustainability
New Digital Manufacturing Hub launches at Swinburne to level up Australian industry
Australian manufacturing productivity and resilience could rise by as much 30 per cent, thanks to a new Digital Manufacturing Hub led by Swinburne.
- Health
- Science
Swinburne to advance cardiac care and asbestos detection with industry-engaged grants
Swinburne has secured two grants from Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite program to support innovative commercialisation projects.
- Science
- Sustainability
Swinburne joins global Green Steel Alliance to advance carbon-neutral ironmaking and steelmaking
Swinburne has become a founding member of the global Green Steel Alliance. The Green Steel Alliance brings together leading research and industry stakeholders from around the world to advance the transition to a green economy.
- Technology
- Education
- Science
- University
New Australia-India joint research institute to advance energy, communications, materials and manufacturing technologies
Swinburne University of Technology and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) have launched the Swinburne-IITH Manufacturing, Materials, Energy and Communication Technologies (SIMMECT) Joint Research Institute, to drive impactful research and global collaboration on major technology challenges.
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- Aviation
- Sustainability
- Engineering
Australian-made sustainable powders to drive the future of advanced manufacturing
A high-tech spinout from Swinburne University of Technology will deliver Australian-made High Entropy Material (HEM) powders, developed from recycled industrial feedstocks, to advanced manufacturing and 3D printing facilities.
Thursday 27 March 2025 -
- University
- Astronomy
- Science
‘Big Wheel’ disk galaxy discovered accidentally by international team
An international team involving Swinburne University of Technology has discovered a giant spiral disk galaxy in the early cosmos.
Tuesday 18 March 2025 -
- University
- Engineering
- Sustainability
New Digital Manufacturing Hub launches at Swinburne to level up Australian industry
Australian manufacturing productivity and resilience could rise by as much 30 per cent, thanks to a new Digital Manufacturing Hub led by Swinburne.
Monday 17 March 2025 -
- Health
- Science
Swinburne to advance cardiac care and asbestos detection with industry-engaged grants
Swinburne has secured two grants from Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite program to support innovative commercialisation projects.
Wednesday 12 March 2025 -
- Science
- Sustainability
Swinburne joins global Green Steel Alliance to advance carbon-neutral ironmaking and steelmaking
Swinburne has become a founding member of the global Green Steel Alliance. The Green Steel Alliance brings together leading research and industry stakeholders from around the world to advance the transition to a green economy.
Wednesday 12 March 2025 -
- Technology
- Education
- Science
- University
New Australia-India joint research institute to advance energy, communications, materials and manufacturing technologies
Swinburne University of Technology and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) have launched the Swinburne-IITH Manufacturing, Materials, Energy and Communication Technologies (SIMMECT) Joint Research Institute, to drive impactful research and global collaboration on major technology challenges.
Monday 03 March 2025
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.