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
- Science
Microcombs could be key in meeting bandwidth demands for artificial intelligence and data centres
A newly-published paper shows how a kind of “optical ruler”, or frequency comb, can greatly increase bandwidth in today’s data-saturated world.
- Science
- University
- Sustainability
Swinburne announces Professor Joy Sumner as FACET Co-Director
Swinburne has announced Professor Joy Sumner as the new Co-Director of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET)
- Astronomy
International team discovers the most distant spiral galaxy ever seen
Swinburne University of Technology is part of an international team that has discovered a massive, Milky Way-like spiral galaxy that formed just 1 billion years after the Big Bang, revealing an unexpectedly mature structure in the early Universe.
- Health
World-first intravenous psychedelic trial to treat binge eating to launch
The world-first IV-administered psychedelic trial for binge eating disorder will kick off this year at Swinburne.
- Health
- Science
Swinburne to boost AI-driven design for dental devices with investment in H3D
Swinburne has invested in spinout company H3D, a cutting-edge tech company that is reinventing custom-fit devices using AI and automation.
- 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.
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- Science
Microcombs could be key in meeting bandwidth demands for artificial intelligence and data centres
A newly-published paper shows how a kind of “optical ruler”, or frequency comb, can greatly increase bandwidth in today’s data-saturated world.
Thursday 08 May 2025 -
- Science
- University
- Sustainability
Swinburne announces Professor Joy Sumner as FACET Co-Director
Swinburne has announced Professor Joy Sumner as the new Co-Director of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET)
Monday 28 April 2025 -
- Astronomy
International team discovers the most distant spiral galaxy ever seen
Swinburne University of Technology is part of an international team that has discovered a massive, Milky Way-like spiral galaxy that formed just 1 billion years after the Big Bang, revealing an unexpectedly mature structure in the early Universe.
Thursday 17 April 2025 -
- Health
World-first intravenous psychedelic trial to treat binge eating to launch
The world-first IV-administered psychedelic trial for binge eating disorder will kick off this year at Swinburne.
Thursday 10 April 2025 -
- Health
- Science
Swinburne to boost AI-driven design for dental devices with investment in H3D
Swinburne has invested in spinout company H3D, a cutting-edge tech company that is reinventing custom-fit devices using AI and automation.
Monday 31 March 2025 -
- 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
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.