Michael Ireland

Professor Michael Ireland is a faculty member at the Australian National University (ANU), serving as Professor and Astronomer in the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics within the ANU College of Science. He holds roles as Associate Director of Science Education and is actively involved in research on exoplanet detection, interferometry, and space instrumentation. His qualifications include a PhD from the University of Sydney and degrees in Mathematics and Science.

His research focuses on advanced observational techniques such as nulling interferometry, adaptive optics, and high-resolution spectroscopy. Key projects include the Asgard/NOTT instrument at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI), Breakthrough Starshot laser propulsion studies, and the Gemini High-resolution Optical Spectrograph (GHOST). He also leads initiatives like the Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE) mission to detect terrestrial exoplanets.

Professor Ireland supervises students, including Benjamin Courtney-Barrer, and collaborates internationally on projects such as the Planet Formation Imager (PFI) and kernel-nulling technologies. His work bridges astrophysics, instrumentation, and space science, with contributions to both ground-based and space-based observational systems.