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 students demonstrate how science can solve social issues
- Science
- Student News
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 -
The science and fiction behind Blade Runner
- Science
Science is everywhere in the cinema. But what are the facts behind these entertaining fictions? Swinburne's Katharine Adcroft explains.Friday 28 August 2015 -
Swinburne’s Professor Matthew Bailes honoured with 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
- Astronomy
- Education
- Science
- University
Swinburne’s Professor Matthew Bailes has been awarded the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for his pioneering work in astrophysics, particularly his discovery of fast radio bursts (FRBs).
Wednesday 09 October 2024 -
Smart dressings speed healing of chronic wounds
- Science
A Swinburne PhD candidate is developing innovative nanofibre meshes that might draw bacteria out of wounds and speed the healing process.Friday 21 August 2015 -
Australian-made sustainable powders to drive the future of advanced manufacturing
- Aviation
- Sustainability
- Engineering
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 -
Extending Einstein's spooky action for use in quantum networks
- Science
Researchers have established principles for the development of secure quantum communication protocols.Thursday 15 January 2015
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.
