Irina Kabakova

Dr. Irina Kabakova is an Associate Professor in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Her research focuses on developing novel microscopy techniques, particularly Brillouin light scattering, to study cellular and tissue mechanics for biomedical applications. She holds a Master's from Moscow State University (2007) and a PhD in nonlinear optics from the University of Sydney (2011). Her work bridges optical physics and biomedicine, emphasizing clinical translation of imaging technologies.

Key research areas include photonic integration, hydrogel mechanics, and mechanobiology of diseases like osteoporosis and cancer. She leads the Australian Research Council-funded Brillouin Imaging Facility and participates in the Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) and Optical Microcombs (COMBS) centers of excellence. Notable awards include the ANZOS Mid-Career Scientist Award (2022) and UTS Mid-Career Researcher Award (2023).

Dr. Kabakova has secured over $70M in research funding and contributed to teaching programs in optics and medical imaging. She holds leadership roles, including Associate Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (2022–2024) and committee memberships with ANZOS and the International Society for Optics and Photonics. Her lab develops diagnostic tools for diseases through advanced microscopy and biofabrication techniques.