Prof Quinn’s research focuses on the formation and evolution of galaxies using supercomputer computations and simulations.  In particular he is working on the nature of Dark Matter, the formation and evolution of Dark Matter around galaxies and its influences on galaxy formation.  His ultimate aim is to develop a usable theory for galaxy formation based on the insights gained from detailed modelling and state-of-the-art observations in the optical, infrared and radio spectrum. 

In addition, Prof Quinn is interested in the challenges associated with large-scale, data-intensive and computational science; in particular the concept of a Virtual Observatory and research using large digital astronomical archives.

Current involvements

• Member Western Australia Radio Astronomy Committee
• Member of Australian Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Coordination Committee
• Australian representative on the international SKA Science and Engineering Committee
• Member of the Australian Gemini Steering Committee

Previous involvements

• Led the Australian involvement in the MACHO Dark Matter Search Project
• Division Head of the Data Management and Operations Division at the European Southern Observatory headquarters, Munich
• Director of the European Virtual Observatory
• Chairman of the International Virtual Observatory Alliance

Prof. Quinn is working with the WA and Federal governments and CSIRO, to maximize the chances of Australian winning the bid to site the $2 billion AUD international SKA radio telescope in the Midwest region of WA.

Biography

• 1978 – Completed B.Sc. (HONS) in Mathematics and Physics, University of Wollongong.  Received the University Medal in Physics.
• 1979 – 1982: Completed Ph.D in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Australian National University (ANU).
• 1982 – 1985: Postdoctoral appointment in Theoretical Astrophysics, California Institute of Technology
• 1982 – 1989: Postdoctoral appointment at the Space Telescope Institute
• 1989: Research Fellowship in the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at ANU
• 1992: Received NASA High Performance Computing and Communications Grand Challenge Award
• 1995: Division Head of the newly formed Data Management and Operations Division at the European Southern Observatory headquarters in Munich.
• 2005: Received Computerworld 21st Century Achievement Award for Science
• 2005: Awarded a Western Australian Premier’s Fellowship
• 2006 – Present: Professor of Astronomy and Premier’s Fellow at UWA

Contact details

Prof Quinn has authored or co-authored over 290 publications in astronomy.
School of Physics
The University of Western Australia
+61 (0)8 6488 4553
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Current Position

Professor of Physics and Premier’s Fellow in the School of Physics, The University of Western Australia (UWA)

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