World-renowned radio astronomer Professor Steven Tingay has returned to Perth to continue his work towards delivering the landmark billion dollar Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project to Western Australia.
Professor Tingay, who founded the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) in 2007, has been in Italy since January 2016 on secondment to Italy’s National Institute for Astrophysics.
His return coincides with the announcement that he has been awarded the prestigious title of John Curtin Distinguished Professor, the highest honour Curtin University can award its academic staff.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said Professor Tingay has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution to the University’s national and international standing in the field of radio astronomy.
“Professor Tingay is renowned for his visionary and creative approach to the field of astrophysics and his delivery of large-scale projects. It is fitting that we recognise the contribution he is making to this area around the globe and to Curtin University,” Professor Terry said.
Professor Tingay is well known for his work delivering the Murchison Widefield Array and is a key influencer in the globally significant SKA.
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Professor Terry said the University was delighted that Professor Tingay has returned to Perth to take up the position of Executive Director of CIRA.
“Professor Tingay has played a leading role in Italy’s contribution to the SKA project, whilst maintaining his links to Curtin University and enhancing already strong bridges between Curtin and the global astronomy community,” Professor Terry said.
Professor Tingay says the award is a wonderful homecoming for him and he is thrilled to be recognised for his ongoing contributions to the field of astrophysics, his research and the University.
“I’m delighted to be returning to Curtin University at a very exciting time for astronomy in Western Australia and internationally, to help guide our path toward the SKA,” Professor Tingay said.
“With the Murchison Widefield Array SKA precursor and our astrophysics and engineering capabilities at Curtin, we are in a very strong position for the future, with a world renowned reputation.”
Professor Tingay was Director of CIRA from 2007-2015, Deputy Director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) from 2009-2015, and Director of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) project from 2011-2015. He represented Italy on the SKA Board in 2016 and 2017.
