Emma Ryan-Weber

Emma Ryan-Weber is a Professor at Swinburne University's School of Science, Computing and Emerging Technologies, leading the intergalactic medium research group. She was the Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D) until 2024. Her research focuses on detecting elements in the early Universe using quasar absorption spectroscopy, particularly studying the intergalactic medium, reionization, and high-redshift galaxy evolution. Ryan-Weber holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne (2004) and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Cambridge. She mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, emphasizing careers in both academia and industry.

Education:

• PhD in Astrophysics, University of Melbourne (2004)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cambridge (2004–2008)

Research Interests: Ryan-Weber’s work explores cosmic reionization, intergalactic medium chemistry, and galaxy evolution. Her team uses large telescopes like Keck and VLT to analyze metal absorption systems in quasar spectra. Key topics include Lyman-continuum leakage, neutral hydrogen distribution, and Pop III star signatures.

Grants & Collaborations: She led ARC grants including the $30M ASTRO 3D program and studies on PanSTARRS imaging and intergalactic medium evolution. Notable collaborations involve XQR-30 quasar spectroscopy and MOSEL surveys.

Awards: Recipient of the Australian Research Council Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship (2009–present).

Labs/Teams: Leads the ASTRO 3D collaboration and the intergalactic medium group at Swinburne, fostering international partnerships in observational cosmology.