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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"We are making sure that students and researchers are equipped with advanced capabilities and tools to enable people and technology to work together for a better world."
Professor Virginia Kilborn , Swinburne 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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Swinburne celebrates astronomy as part of National Science Week
- Astronomy
- Science
For this year’s National Science Week, Swinburne invites you to take a journey through the cosmos in a series of fun and interactive activities.
Wednesday 12 August 2020 -
Cancer cell structure decoded
- Science
An international team has won a 30-year race to solve the structure of an important cancer-related molecule.Tuesday 01 November 2016 -
STEM Hub for girls receives funding boost
- Education
An online hub that encourages girls to participate in STEM opportunities has received $1.2 million in funding from The Invergowrie Foundation.
Monday 18 July 2022 -
Measuring the road to success with the CSIRO
- Science
Swinburne is helping the CSIRO analyse social networks that may benefit innovation in Australia.Thursday 01 September 2016 -
Astronomers discover metal-poor globular cluster
- Astronomy
Astronomers have found a globular star cluster in the Andromeda Galaxy that contains a record-breaking low amount of metals.
Friday 16 October 2020 -
Seeing epilepsy with surgical precision
- Science
An advanced neuroimaging technique improves severe epilepsy treatment.Thursday 15 September 2016
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.