Professor Brian Schmidt

Winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics, Professor Schmidt spent most of his academic career as an astrophysicist at the ANU Mount Stromlo Observatory and ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics before becoming Vice-Chancellor. He is an expert in astronomy and physics, but actively commentates on the intersection of academic expertise and society, including higher education, research, and science policy.

Professor Schmidt makes a significant contribution to public debate through the media, and via his membership of bodies including the Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council.

Professor Schmidt received undergraduate degrees in astronomy and physics from the University of Arizona in 1989, and completed his Astronomy Master’s degree (1992) and PhD (1993) at Harvard University. Under his leadership, in 1998, the High-Z Supernova Search team made the startling discovery that the expansion rate of the Universe is accelerating. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, The United States Academy of Science, and the Royal Society, and he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2013.

He is the 12th Vice-Chancellor and President of ANU.