Prof Christina Lim is a Professor at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia. She serves as the Associate Dean of Research for the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) and manages the Tucker Lab. Previously, she held roles as Research Group Leader of the Electronics and Photonics System group and Deputy Head of Department (Teaching and Operations) Education: PhD and Bachelors from University of Melbourne Research Interests: Radio-over-Fibre, Optical Wireless Communications, Microwave Photonics, Augmented Reality Displays, Reservoir Computing, Optical Crosshaul Networks Recent publications demonstrate expertise in optical waveguide design for AR, underwater optical wireless communications, photonic switching, and network optimization. Her projects focus on next-generation wireless infrastructure, including Photonics Computing Enabled Ultra-Broadband Wireless Communications (2024-2027, $598k ARC grant) and Additive Manufacturing of Optical Elements (2025). She has secured significant funding, including ARC Discovery Projects and Future Fellowships. Scientific Honors IEEE Fellow (2022) Optica Fellow (2018) ARC Future Fellow (2009-2013) ARC Australian Research Fellow (2004-2008) Professional Service Vice-President of Conferences, IEEE Photonics Society Deputy Editor, IEEE/Optica Journal of Lightwave Technology ARC College of Experts (2014-2016)
Professor Stefan Maier holds the position of Head of School in Physics and Astronomy at Monash University. Previously, he served as the Lee Lucas Chair in Experimental Physics at Imperial College London (2007–2018) and built a new chair at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2019–2022). His research focuses on nanophotonics, plasmonics, and metasurface engineering, with emphasis on optical trapping, nonlinear optics, and novel photonic devices. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Technical University of Munich M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Research Interests: Development of metamaterials and metasurfaces for light manipulation Applications of nanophotonics in sensing, imaging, and quantum technologies Optical trapping and plasmonic catalysis Nonlinear optical phenomena in nanostructured materials Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes bound states in the continuum (BICs), 3D nanoprinted optical platforms, and active metasurfaces with tunable properties. Key themes include hybrid nanophotonics, ultra-high-Q resonators, and plasmonic nanomaterials for energy applications. Awards: ISI Highly Cited Researcher (2017–present) Grants/Projects: Chief Investigator in the All-on-chip twisted light modulator project (2022–2025) Leadership in Monash’s nanophotonics research team Labs/Teams: Directs a multidisciplinary lab at Monash focused on integrating 3D nanofabrication with optical physics, including collaborations in metafiber development and plasmonic biosensing.
Professor Chunsheng Lu is a faculty member at Curtin University's School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He currently holds the position of Professor and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Mechanical Engineering Advances . His research focuses on fracture mechanics, multi-scale modeling, energy materials, nonlinear dynamics, and natural disaster risk analysis. Lu is actively involved in HDR (Masters/PhD) supervision, offering projects on advanced materials modeling and simulations. His research interests include mechanics of energy materials, multi-scale modeling, and fracture statistics. He has contributed to over 200 publications, with recent work emphasizing piezoelectric semiconductors, nanomaterials, and energy storage systems. Lu's teaching spans materials engineering, solid mechanics, and numerical methods.
Dr Mahdi Davoodianidalik is a researcher in the Department of Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications at the Australian National University (ANU). He is affiliated with the Space plasma power and propulsion group and the Physics of fluids group, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of plasma physics, fluid dynamics, and space propulsion technologies. His research interests include Turbulence and wave-driven flows Plasma thrusters and electrothermal propulsion Fluctuation-induced forces and interactions Fluid-structure dynamics Thermal engineering of micro-thrusters Nonlinear phenomena in fluids Recent publications highlight his work on analogs of the Casimir effect in turbulent flows, passive propulsion mechanisms, and advanced propulsion systems using solid hydrocarbon propellants. He has contributed to understanding turbulence in both fundamental and applied contexts, with a focus on energy transfer and chaotic flow phenomena. His collaborations span ANU colleagues including Nicolas Francois and Michael Shats, with a strong emphasis on experimental and computational fluid dynamics.
Professor Xiaoke Yi is a faculty member at the University of Sydney's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, serving as Associate Head of Research and Director of the Photonics Research Group. He holds a BEng, MEng, and PhD from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). His research focuses on nanophotonics and integrated microwave photonics, addressing challenges in high-frequency signal processing for communications, defense, and healthcare. Notable achievements include developing non-invasive glucose monitoring technology and contributions to silicon carbide photonics. Awards include the 2018 Women in Industry Award and 2017 Bradfield Award. Research Interests : Professor Yi’s work bridges microwave engineering and optoelectronics, with applications in high-speed communication systems, radar, and biomedical sensors. His current projects involve machine learning-enhanced microwave photonic sensors and integrated photonics for defense and healthcare. Recent breakthroughs include athermal sensors using microring resonators and silicon carbide electro-optic modulators. Publications & Recognition : His work spans over 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature Communications and Journal of Lightwave Technology . Key themes include sensor design, signal processing algorithms, and photonic materials. Recent trends emphasize machine learning integration for sensor optimization and biomedical applications. Awards : 2018: Women in Industry Award (Engineering category) 2017: Bradfield Award (Engineers Australia) 2017: Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers (Engineers Australia) 2017: Sydney Accelerator Fellowship (SOAR) 2016: Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Engagement Labs & Teams : Leads the Photonics Research Group, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams at Sydney Nano Institute. Current projects include inverse design of photonic devices using neural networks and high-resolution optical spectrum analysis.
Professor Deanna D'Alessandro is a Professor in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Director of The Net Zero Institute at The University of Sydney. Her research focuses on advanced materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for energy efficiency, sustainability, and carbon capture. She holds a BSc (Hons I & Medal) and PhD from James Cook University (2001, 2006), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Sydney and UC Berkeley. She has been recognized with prestigious fellowships, including the L'Oreal Australia for Women in Science Fellow (2010), Australian Research Council Future Fellow (2018–2022), and Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2011). Her research explores MOFs for carbon capture, electrochemical systems, and photonics, with applications in energy transition and environmental sustainability. She leads projects on Direct Air Capture, 3D printing of nanomaterials, and solid-state spectroelectrochemistry. Notable collaborations include work with Prof. Ben Powell (UQ) and Prof. Adam Micolich (UNSW) on superconductivity and photonic devices. She directs The Net Zero Institute, focusing on multidisciplinary solutions for decarbonization. Education: BSc (Hons I & Medal) and PhD from James Cook University. Awards: Includes ARC Fellowships, L'Oreal Women in Science, and Young Tall Poppy. Grants: Over $6M for CO2 capture materials and collaborations with industry partners like Southern Green Gas Ltd. Labs/Teams: Leads the D'Alessandro Research Group and collaborates with Sydney Nanoscience Hub, Sydney Policy Lab, and international partners. Her work bridges fundamental science and applied technologies, with over 150 publications and patents on CO2 capture and MOF applications.
Professor Martijn de Sterke is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Sydney and a member of the Sydney Nano Institute. He holds a MEng in Applied Physics from Delft University of Technology (1982) and a PhD in Optics from the University of Rochester (1987). His postdoctoral work at the University of Toronto (1988–1990) preceded his faculty appointment at the University of Sydney, where he has contributed significantly to the field of nonlinear optics. His research focuses on nonlinear optics, photonic crystals, soliton dynamics, and plasmonic systems. Notable contributions include studies on soliton microcombs, metamaterial-enhanced optical effects, and relativistic lightsail propulsion concepts. He has pioneered work on pure-quartic solitons and their applications in fiber lasers, as well as investigations into Förster resonance energy transfer in engineered metamaterials. Educations: MEng in Applied Physics, Delft University of Technology (1982) PhD in Optics, University of Rochester (1987) His publications span over 300 works, including key contributions to Optics Express as Editor-in-Chief from 2007–2012. He has received prestigious awards such as the Pawsey Medal (1999), Esther Hoffman Beller Medal (2017), and Beatty Steel Medal (2024). Current research activities include ARC-funded projects on optical microcombs and dispersion-engineered solitons. His work bridges theoretical models and experimental implementations, with applications in ultrafast optics, nanophotonics, and space propulsion systems leveraging optical forces.
Sanjoy Nandi is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering at the Australian National University (ANU), specializing in neuromorphic computing and memristor technology. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Chittagong (2017). His research focuses on designing novel memristive devices for neuromorphic systems, with particular emphasis on threshold switching, material properties of NbOx and V₃O₅ films, and integrating memristors with CMOS circuits. Nandi has published over 47 peer-reviewed articles, with an h-index of 14 and 161 citations. His work spans memristor-based spiking neural networks, thermosensitive dynamics, and optical tunable oscillators, contributing to advancements in neuromorphic hardware and solid-state electronics. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Chittagong, 2017). Research supervision is registered through ANU's Department of Electronic Materials Engineering. Research interests include memristor engineering, neuromorphic architectures, and nanoelectronics. Key projects involve exploring negative differential resistance in vanadium oxides and developing ternary logic systems using memristor-CMOS hybrids. His contributions also address thermal effects in cross-point devices and material interdiffusion impacts on switching characteristics. Labs/Teams: Collaborates within ANU's Electronic Materials Engineering research groups, focusing on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of materials science and circuit design. Active in global collaborations through co-authored publications with institutions in Spain, Japan, and the UK.
Prof Ben Buchler is a Professor at The Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Physics Education Centre and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. His research focuses on quantum optics, atomic sensors, and optomechanics. He leads projects on quantum memory systems, gravitational wave detection, and exotic physics searches using global magnetometer networks. Research Interests: Quantum Communication and Information Cold Atom Physics Optical Sensors and Magnetometry Optomechanical Systems Gravitational Wave Detection Technologies Recent work highlights advancements in room-temperature quantum memory, cross-phase modulation in atomic systems, and applications of optomechanics for single-phonon control. Collaborations include global initiatives like the GNOME (Global Network of Optical Magnetometers) for dark matter and gravitational wave studies. Grants and Projects: ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (2018–2025) Projects on atomic sensors for dark matter, rotation, and magnetic field detection Labs/Teams: Active in the Physics Education Centre and collaborates with international teams on quantum optics and sensor technologies.
Dr. Karl Bertling is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Queensland (UQ). His research focuses on pioneering imaging and sensing techniques using laser feedback interferometry (LFI), particularly with terahertz quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Key areas include early melanoma detection, agricultural photonics, and near-field terahertz imaging of nanomaterials. He holds a PhD in Engineering from UQ (2012) and has authored over 140 publications in journals like Optics Express and IEEE Transactions . His work spans diverse applications: from biomedical imaging to cultural heritage preservation, leveraging LFI for non-destructive analysis. Collaborations include projects with institutions like the Queensland Brain Institute and industry partners. Bertling’s expertise bridges materials science, photonics, and quantum technologies, with contributions to THz nanoscopy and quantum device characterization. Research interests include: Terahertz QCL-based imaging and sensing Biomedical applications: skin pathologies and cancer detection Agricultural monitoring via terahertz hydration sensing Nanostructure analysis using THz nanoscopy Grants and funding: Multiple Australian Research Council (ARC) grants and industry partnerships support his work. Ongoing projects explore THz photonics for precision agriculture and quantum material characterization.
Dr. Stephen Warren-Smith is a Senior Research Fellow at the Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia (UniSA), where he conducts cutting-edge research in optical fiber technology and photonics. He is affiliated with the Laser Physics and Photonic Devices Laboratories within UniSA STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and serves as a Research Degree Supervisor for graduate students. Dr. Warren-Smith's primary research interests span optical fiber technology, photonics, and biosensors, with a particular focus on developing novel fiber optic sensing platforms for biomedical and environmental applications. His work encompasses microstructured optical fibers, fluorescence sensing, and the integration of machine learning techniques for enhanced sensor performance. He has made significant contributions to the fields of harmonic generation in optical fibers, NV center-based quantum sensing, and multimode fiber applications. Analysis of Dr. Warren-Smith's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward developing sophisticated fiber optic sensing platforms with diverse applications. His work demonstrates increasing integration of advanced materials (like diamond with NV centers) and computational methods (particularly deep learning) to overcome traditional limitations in optical sensing. The research spans fundamental physics of light-matter interactions in fibers to practical applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control. A notable pattern is the development of multi-parameter sensing capabilities within single fiber platforms, enabling simultaneous measurement of various physical and chemical properties. Dr. Warren-Smith has secured significant research funding including ARC Future Fellowships (FT200100154), ARC Discovery Projects (DP190102896), and support from the Australian National Fabrication Facility (Optofab Node) utilizing Commonwealth and South Australian State Government resources. His research has received substantial citation counts, with several papers cited multiple times in Web of Science and Scopus. Dr. Warren-Smith leads research activities within the Laser Physics and Photonic Devices Laboratories at UniSA STEM. His team specializes in the design, fabrication, and characterization of advanced optical fiber devices, with particular expertise in microstructured optical fibers, suspended core fibers, and integrated photonic sensing platforms. The laboratory maintains strong connections with the Australian National Fabrication Facility (Optofab Node) for advanced device fabrication capabilities and collaborates extensively with institutions including RMIT University, University of Melbourne, University of Adelaide, and international partners in China.
Professor Andrey Sukhorukov is affiliated with the Australian National University (ANU) , working in the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering . His research focuses on photonics , metasurfaces , and nonlinear optics , with applications in quantum imaging and flat optics . He contributes to cutting-edge projects like the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems and collaborates globally on nanophotonic devices and quantum information processing . Academic Rank: Professor Department: Electronic Materials Engineering University: Australian National University Research Interests: Sukhorukov specializes in metasurface engineering , dielectric nanophotonics , and quantum optical systems . His work bridges fundamental physics and applied engineering , particularly in light manipulation at the nanoscale and quantum imaging technologies . Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize quantum imaging , metamaterial design , and integrated photonic systems . Topics include nonlinear metasurfaces , dielectric waveguide engineering , and two-photon interference in chip-based platforms. Supervision: Registered to supervise research students, Sukhorukov contributes to advancing next-generation optical technologies through mentorship and collaborative projects. Labs & Collaborations: He collaborates with institutions like Optica Publishing Group and IEEE, and is involved in multi-institutional initiatives, including the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems .
Yuri Kivshar is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Materials Physics at the Australian National University (ANU), where he leads research in nonlinear physics and metamaterials. His work focuses on nanophotonics, plasmonics, and topological photonics, with applications in optical metamaterials and quantum systems. He has contributed significantly to understanding bound states in the continuum, nonlinear effects in nanostructures, and metasurface engineering. His research group explores advanced optical phenomena using all-dielectric resonators, metamaterials, and topological insulators. Key areas include high-harmonic generation, vortex beam manipulation, and chiral photonics. Kivshar has authored over 20 books and 2,000 scientific papers, reflecting his global influence in photonics and materials science. He has pioneered studies on optical solitons, Fano resonances, and metamaterial cloaking. His work bridges fundamental physics and practical applications, such as nanoscale lasers and biosensors. Collaborations span institutions worldwide, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation in light-matter interactions and nanoscale optics.
Professor Benjamin Eggleton is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Sydney, where he holds the position of Professor of Optical Physics and serves as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research). He is also the co-Director of the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) and has been instrumental in establishing major research centers including the University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano, 2018-2022), CUDOS (ARC Centre of Excellence for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems, 2003-2017), and Sydney's Institute of Photonics and Optical Science (IPOS, 2009-2018). Professor Eggleton's research spans fundamental to applied science, with pioneering contributions to nonlinear optics and all-optical signal processing. His work focuses on the nonlinear optics of periodic media, slow-light in photonic crystals, ultrafast planar waveguide nonlinear optics, and chalcogenide glasses for telecommunications applications. His research aligns with the Faculty of Science Research Strengths in Fundamental Laws of Nature, Communication Technologies, and National Security. Key projects include Stimulated Brillouin Scattering in photonic chips, Quantum integrated photonics, All optical and non-linear signal processing, Mid-Infrared Photonics, and Air quality sensing using photonic sensors. His publication record is extensive, with over 500 journal publications (42,000 citations, h-index of 113 on Google Scholar). His recent work demonstrates a strong trend toward integrated photonics, particularly in chip-based microwave photonics, quantum applications, and biomedical sensing technologies. There's a clear emphasis on practical implementation of fundamental optical phenomena for real-world applications in communications, sensing, and defense. 2022 Academic of the Year for Defence Industry Awards 2020 W. H. Beattie Steel Medal of the Australian and New Zealand Optical Society 2020 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia 2017 Vice Chancellors Award for Outstanding Research 2011 Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science 2007 Pawsey Medal from the Australian Academy of Science Professor Eggleton has held significant leadership roles including President of the Australian Optical Society (2008-2010) and Editor-in-Chief for Optics Communications (2007-2015) and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for APL Photonics. He is a Fellow of multiple prestigious societies including the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), Optical Society of America (OSA), IEEE Photonics, SPIE, and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). His work has attracted substantial research funding through ARC Laureate and Federation Fellowships, and he leads major collaborative projects with industry and defense applications. His research group maintains strong connections with multiple institutes including the Sydney Environment Institute, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, and The University of Sydney Nano Institute, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his work which bridges physics, engineering, and practical applications across multiple sectors.
Dr. Arash Khatamianfar is a Lecturer in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), specializing in Control Engineering and Robotics. With a strong background in both academia and industry, he has made significant contributions to engineering education and control systems research. His educational background includes a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Electronics major) from Iran (2005), an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Control Engineering and Robotics major) from Iran (2008), and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with focus on Control Systems and Robotics from UNSW (2015). Dr. Khatamianfar's research spans two primary domains: educational technologies in engineering education and advanced control systems. In engineering education, he has focused on developing effective online laboratory practices, managing hands-on labs during the pandemic, and comparing online versus in-person teamwork. In control engineering, his work centers on overhead crane systems, model predictive control, and applications in renewable energy systems. His publications reveal a clear trajectory from theoretical control methods to practical industrial applications, with recent work emphasizing educational technologies alongside continued contributions to control theory. Best Lab Demonstrator Award in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW (2014) Nominated for Best Lab Demonstrator Award at UNSW (2015) Nominated for Best Lecturer Award in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW (2018) Dr. Khatamianfar has demonstrated significant commitment to teaching excellence, earning the first-ever Best Lab Demonstrator Award in his school based on student satisfaction. His industry experience includes work at Buildings Alive Pty. Ltd. as a Systems and R&D Engineer, where he developed methods for improving energy consumption in commercial buildings, and professional training in SIEMENS PLC systems. He has been active in the Systems and Control group at UNSW, particularly in running teaching laboratories and collaborating in research laboratories. His work environment includes the Systems and Control Research laboratories at UNSW, where he has supervised undergraduate thesis students and contributed to developing advanced control methodologies with practical industrial applications.
