Stephen Bigger

Professor Stephen Bigger is a distinguished academic at Victoria University's First Year College with international recognition in polymer science and physical chemistry. He holds the position of Professor and has served in various leadership roles including Head of the School of Molecular Sciences (2003-2006), Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning (2006-2009), Deputy Dean (2009-2012), Acting Executive Dean (2012), and Director of Research and Research Training (2013) within the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science.

Professor Bigger's research interests span polymer science, physical chemistry, and chemical education. His primary focus areas include polymer modification for flame retardancy, development of biodegradable food packaging materials using carrageenan and other natural polymers, and STEM education at the transition between secondary school and university. His work has significant applications in materials science, food technology, and fire safety engineering.

His recent publications (2018-2024) demonstrate a consistent research trajectory focused on phosphorus-modified polymers for flame retardancy, carrageenan-based films for food packaging, and chemical education. These works appear in high-impact journals like Polymers, Food Hydrocolloids, and Journal of Applied Polymer Science, showing strong citation impact particularly in the food packaging and polymer modification fields.

• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
• Australian Teaching and Learning Council Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning "For developing and disseminating over a sustained period original and innovative approaches to teaching chemistry to students with diverse backgrounds and interests"

Professor Bigger has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students working on projects related to biodegradable packaging materials, antimicrobial composites, and oil spill remediation. His funded research includes projects on glass fines reprocessing for plastic enhancement and water conservation through cooling tower replacement. He maintains active collaboration with researchers across Australia and internationally, particularly in the fields of polymer science and food packaging technology.