Michael Tobar

Michael Tobar is a Professor of Physics at the University of Western Australia (UWA), leading the Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter Research Lab (QDM Lab). He holds a PhD from UWA and is a Fellow of the IEEE, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), and the Australian Academy of Science. His research focuses on precision measurements, quantum technologies, and dark matter detection, particularly using cavity haloscopes and resonant mass detectors. He leads projects in the ARC Centres of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) and Dark Matter Particle Physics (CDM).

Education: BSc BE (Hons) Monash, PhD in Physics (UWA, 1994). Research interests span axion dark matter, Lorentz invariance tests, and high-frequency gravitational wave detection. His group develops precision tools like sapphire oscillators and bulk acoustic wave resonators. Key collaborations include the ORGAN experiment and the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX).

Research highlights include exclusion of ALP cogenesis dark matter in the 63-67 μeV range and leadership in multi-mode gravitational wave antennas. Awards include the Cady Award (IEEE), Clunies-Ross Medal, and Vice-Chancellor's Research Mentorship Award. Active grants include funding for quantum technologies, dark matter facilities, and national research infrastructure.

• Awards: Over 10 major awards, including Fellowships from ARC and IEEE.
• Labs/Teams: QDM Lab, EQUS, CDM, and collaborations with ADMX and ORGAN.
• Grants: Over 70 grants, including ARC Centres and industry partnerships.