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
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
How to make metals from Martian dirt
Swinburne and CSIRO researchers have successfully made iron under Mars-like conditions. This is how they did it.
Monday 18 August 2025 -
- Technology
- Science
- University
- Sustainability
Swinburne powers breakthroughs in sustainable mining and materials technology
Swinburne innovators have been awarded $4 million in funding from the Australian Government, driving Australia’s future in sustainable innovation through two groundbreaking projects.
Tuesday 15 July 2025 -
- Technology
- Science
- University
- Engineering
Swinburne to advance battery life and EV cybersecurity with Australian Research Council grants
Swinburne has secured two grants from Australian Research Councils to advance research in energy storage and cybersecurity.
Wednesday 02 July 2025 -
- 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
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.