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Head of School, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences | Associate Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Macquarie University

Associate Professor Devika Kamath is the Head of School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Macquarie University and a stellar astrophysicist internationally recognised for pioneering research on late-stage stellar evolution in low- and intermediate-mass stars. Her work has transformed the field by accurately quantifying the production of chemical elements, informing next-generation stellar models, and supporting extragalactic studies with upcoming facilities such as the 24-metre Giant Magellan Telescope, where Australia is a key partner. She has also uncovered novel planetary formation environments around dying stars, reshaping our understanding of planet formation and guiding future exoplanet observational programs with instruments like VLTI/GRAVITY+ and ELT/METIS.

A/Prof Kamath has played a key role in advancing Australia’s engagement with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) since the government’s 2017 strategic partnership. She currently serves as an Expert member of the ESO Time Allocation Committee, allocating competitive telescope time to the global astronomical community, and previously represented Australia on the ESO Users Committee (2022–2023). She has also held expert roles on the Hubble Space Telescope and Anglo-Australian Telescope TACs. Importantly, as Chair of the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy (IDEA) Chapter (2022–present), she provides national leadership in embedding equity, diversity, and inclusivity in astronomy, shaping policy and initiatives that influence both Australian and international communities. At Macquarie University, A/Prof Kamath has previously (2023-2025) served as the Director of Engagement for the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, leading the School’s outreach portfolio, employability initiatives, and advising on the operation of the Macquarie Observatory.

Her achievements have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Teachers Guild of NSW Honorary Fellowship (2023), the AIP NSW Community Outreach to Physics Award (2022), the NSW Young Tall Poppy Award (2021), and recognition as a Superstar of STEM (2019). Since joining Macquarie in 2017, she has secured more than A$7.5M in competitive research funding, including an ARC DECRA and a lead-CI ARC Discovery Project. She is also deeply committed to training and mentoring the next generation of researchers, fostering a vibrant team of Postdoctoral Fellows and HDR students while supporting successful PhD and Master’s completions.