Li Ju

Prof. Li Ju is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where she holds roles as Program Chair for the Master of Physics and Physics Honours programs, and coordinates first- and second-year physics laboratories. Her research focuses on gravitational wave detection technology, specifically improving detector sensitivities through noise reduction techniques like seismic isolation, suspension thermal noise control, and parametric instability management. She is a Chief Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) and leads industry-linked projects for airborne survey instruments. In education, she spearheads initiatives such as the Einstein First Project and the Quantum Girls program under ARC and WISE grants. Recent projects include developing low-thermal-noise resonators for third-generation detectors and advancing optomechanical technologies. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through STEM education and innovation.

• Education: PhD from UWA (1996)

Research interests span gravitational wave detector optimization, with expertise in seismic isolation, optomechanical systems, and parametric instability suppression. She collaborates globally on observatories like LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA. Education initiatives emphasize early exposure to Einsteinian physics in schools and empowering female participation in STEM through Quantum Girls. Current grants include projects on 6D seismology, teacher upskilling, and Australia's quantum growth strategy.

Her articles explore topics such as optical spring enhancement, inductive sensor amplifiers, and gravitational wave searches from pulsars and fast radio bursts. Grants and collaborations highlight her dual focus on cutting-edge physics research and transformative educational outreach.

Lab and team involvement includes the OzGrav collaboration and the Neutron Star Extreme Matter Observatory (NEMO), advancing detector technologies and astrophysical insights.