Marcela Bilek

Marcela Bilek is a Professor of Applied Physics and Surface Engineering at the University of Sydney, heading the Applied Physics and Surface Engineering Research Group within the School of Physics and School of Biomedical Engineering. She is an ARC Laureate Fellow and internationally recognized for her work on plasma-based processes for material synthesis and surface modification. Her affiliations include the University of Sydney Nano Institute and the Charles Perkins Centre.

Education: PhD from the University of Cambridge, BSc from the University of Sydney, and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. Prior roles include visiting scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and visiting professor at Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg.

Research focuses on materials physics, plasma deposition, renewable energy, biointerfaces, and biomedical applications. Her 350+ publications and 15 patents include innovations like cathodic arc plasma thrusters and biofunctionalized nanoparticles. Current research explores plasma-engineered coatings for medical devices and tissue regeneration.

Notable awards include Fellowships from Australian Academy of Science, American Vacuum Society, and Royal Society of New South Wales. Supervised 35 PhD students and mentored 25 postdocs. Active in STEM equity initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations.