Michael Cowley

Dr Michael Cowley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry & Physics at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Science. He leads the QUT Astrophysics Research Group and serves as the Academic Lead of Learning and Teaching. His research spans extragalactic astrophysics, galaxy evolution, and physics education, with strong involvement in major surveys such as ZFOURGE, ZFIRE, TAIPAN, and ASKAP-EMU.

Research Interests: Dr Cowley's work focuses on the co-evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes, using multi-wavelength data to study star formation, AGN activity, and quenching mechanisms across cosmic time. He also investigates physics and astronomy education, with a commitment to embedding Indigenous knowledges in science curricula.

Publication Trends: His recent publications (2020–2025) reflect a strong focus on high-redshift galaxy populations, radio surveys (EMU), source detection algorithms (Hydra), and the integration of observational data with simulations. There is a clear trajectory toward large-scale data analysis, collaborative survey science, and methodological innovation in source finding and galaxy characterisation.

• Scientific Awards:
• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence (2022)
• Faculty of Science's Educator of the Year (2021)
• Research Centre for Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics Observing Funding Award (2015)
• Member of the International Astronomical Union (2019)
• Member of the Astronomical Society of Australia (2014)
• Member of the Australian Institute of Physics (2010)
• Member of the Institute of Physics (2010)

Supervision and Grants: Dr Cowley supervises Honours, Masters, and PhD students in areas such as star formation rate estimation, galaxy evolution, and radio survey analysis. He is actively involved in education leadership and curriculum development. While specific grants are not listed, his leadership in major surveys implies significant research funding and collaboration.

Labs and Teams: He leads the QUT Astrophysics Research Group and is a key member of international collaborations including the ZFOURGE, ZFIRE, TAIPAN, and EMU surveys, contributing to large-scale data analysis and scientific interpretation.