DR. REBECCA ALLEN

Dr. Rebecca Allen is a leading figure in Australia’s space sector, with a proven track record of translating space science into impactful, real-world applications. As Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology, she drives national and international collaborations focused on microgravity experimentation, Earth observation, and space-based solutions for climate resilience and disaster response.

Her leadership has secured millions in funding across government, industry, and research partnerships, advancing Australia's capabilities in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and emergency communications. Rebecca is a senior lecturer in space technology and supports pioneering programs like the Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge to train Australia’s future space leaders.

She is a passionate science communicator and advocate for accessible STEM education, regularly appearing in major news outlets, presenting at major space forums, and contributing to industry-shaping initiatives. She is the Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology. She completed her PhD in Astrophysics at Swinburne where she used information from powerful telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope to study the evolution and growth of galaxies going back to when the Universe was barely a billion years old.

Now, Dr Allen applies her scientific expertise to help support Australia's growing space industry. To this end, she supports the translation of cutting-edge research in areas such as microgravity experimentation and Earth observation to build climate change resilient communities and support innovations for Earth. When she’s not studying space or sending things there, she’s inspiring and empowering future space leaders by communicating the wonders of the Universe and creating immersive, hands-on learning experiences.