Alan Duffy

Professor Alan Duffy is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Flagship Initiatives at Swinburne University of Technology, where he drives large-scale, transdisciplinary research in areas including hydrogen, renewable technologies, AI, space and aerospace, MedTech, and health innovation. He is also a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. Previously, he served as the inaugural Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne from 2021 to 2023.

• PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Manchester, UK
• MPhys in Physics, University of Manchester, UK

Alan Duffy's research focuses on dark matter, computational astrophysics, and space science. He uses supercomputers to simulate galaxy formation within dark matter halos and is a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics and the SABRE dark matter detector project. His work extends into applied technologies through mDetect, a spin-off company using cosmic muons for mineral exploration and infrastructure monitoring.

His recent publications cover topics such as lunar mining ethics, space debris, galaxy formation, and public science engagement. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend combining astrophysics, engineering, policy, and science communication.

Alan is a prominent science communicator with over 300 TV appearances and 440 radio interviews, including regular segments on ABC, Ten’s The Project, and TripleJ. He has delivered a TEDx talk, hosted AstroFest, and interviewed leading scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Brian Greene.

• Chief Investigator, ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics
• Chief Investigator, SABRE Dark Matter Detector
• Co-founder and CEO, mDetect
• Founding Director, Space Technology and Industry Institute (2021–2023)
• Host, Australian Space Summit (2023–2025)

He has received research funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), Commonwealth government, and CSIRO. He is available to supervise PhD students and actively collaborates with industry, government, and NGOs to advance large-scale research initiatives. He leads multidisciplinary teams across aerospace engineering, data science, AI, astrophysics, and materials science.

Alan Duffy is also involved in educational outreach through initiatives like EduMODs, which bring muon detection technology into classrooms to inspire STEM learning.