David Simpson

Associate Professor David Simpson serves as the Haimson Associate Professor in physical biosciences within the School of Physics, Faculty of Science, at the University of Melbourne, where he is also a Research Fellow in Quantum Sensing. He earned his PhD in applied physics from Victoria University in 2008. For over fifteen years, Simpson has dedicated his career to advancing quantum technologies, with a focus on diamond-based quantum sensors for biomedical applications and precision magnetometry. His pioneering work includes developing high-resolution imaging techniques to visualize electrical and magnetic properties of biological systems at the single-cell level, such as quantum microscopy of magnetic structures in pigeon ears, magnetite in mollusc teeth, and neural micro-circuitry via diamond voltage imaging. These innovations contribute to understanding quantum effects in biology and improving diagnostics for neurological and iron-related disorders. Simpson co-founded Chromos Laboratories and FeBI Technologies, commercializing quantum sensing for clinical applications, including accurate iron testing in partnership with First Nations communities.

Simpson's scholarly impact is evidenced by over 8,000 citations on Google Scholar. Key publications include 'Quantum measurement and orientation tracking of fluorescent nanodiamonds inside living cells' (Nature Nanotechnology, 2011), 'Diamond-based single-photon emitters' (Reports on Progress in Physics, 2011), 'Electronic Properties and Metrology Applications of the Diamond NV Center under Pressure' (Physical Review Letters, 2014), 'Quantum imaging of current flow in graphene' (Science Advances, 2017), and 'High spatial and temporal resolution wide-field imaging of neuron activity using quantum NV-diamond' (Scientific Reports, 2012). He leads projects like the National Facility for Quantum Diamond and is a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC). Awards include the Alan Walsh Medal for Service to Industry from the Australian Institute of Physics (2024), an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship (2024), and a team University of NSW Eureka Prize for Interdisciplinary Research (2013) for quantum probes in biology. Simpson has delivered public lectures in the University of Melbourne's July Lectures in Physics series and contributes to quantum sensing advancements through industry collaborations.