Dragomir Neshev

Dragomir Neshev serves as Professor in the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering at the Australian National University and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) from 2021 to 2027. His career spans over two decades in advanced optical research, with significant contributions to photonics and metamaterials development.

He earned his PhD from Sofia University, Bulgaria in 1999, establishing the foundation for his expertise in optical physics and materials science.

Neshev's research focuses on cutting-edge optics branches including periodic photonic structures, singular optics, plasmonics, and optical metasurfaces. His work particularly emphasizes dielectric materials, waveguide physics, harmonic generation, and solitary wave phenomena, driving innovation in nanophotonics and optical engineering. This research has positioned him at the forefront of meta-optical systems development.

Recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward practical meta-optical applications, particularly in infrared imaging, polarization control, and analog optical computing. His team consistently pioneers dispersion-engineered metamaterials and guided-mode resonance techniques in dielectric structures, enabling breakthroughs in compact optical systems for sensing and imaging.

His distinguished recognition includes:

• Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship (ARC, 2010)
• Australian Research Fellowship (ARC, 2004)
• Marie-Curie Individual Fellowship (European Commission, 2001)
• Academic award for best young scientist (Sofia University, 1999)
• Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science, 2021-2023)
• Fellow of the Optical Society (OSA)

Neshev actively supervises graduate researchers while leading major collaborative projects including the National Facility for Performance Characterisation of Infrared Technologies and space-based meta-optical imaging systems. His current research portfolio features significant ARC funding for transformative optical technologies, with particular emphasis on multi-spectral imaging and polarization control through nanostructured materials.

As Director of TMOS, he oversees Australia's premier meta-optics research hub, coordinating efforts across multiple institutions to advance meta-optical systems for real-world applications. His leadership extends to specialized teams focusing on tailored metasurfaces for light generation, programming, and detection, creating an integrated ecosystem for optical innovation from fundamental research to commercial implementation.