Rate Professor Simon Driver

Professional Summary: Professor Simon Driver

Professor Simon Driver is a distinguished astrophysicist based at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where he holds a prominent position within the School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing. With a career spanning over two decades, he is internationally recognized for his contributions to cosmology and galaxy evolution, particularly through large-scale astronomical surveys.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Driver completed his academic training in the field of astrophysics, earning his PhD from the University of Wales, Cardiff, in the early 1990s. His doctoral research focused on galaxy formation and evolution, laying the foundation for his future contributions to observational cosmology.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Simon Driver's research primarily centers on understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies, the distribution of dark matter, and the large-scale structure of the universe. He has a particular interest in extragalactic surveys and the use of multi-wavelength data to probe cosmic history. His work often involves leading or contributing to major international astronomical projects.

Career History and Appointments

• Professor, School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing, University of Western Australia (Current)
• Research Fellow and Faculty Member, University of St Andrews, UK (Prior to UWA)
• Research Positions at various institutions, including the Australian National University and the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

• Recipient of multiple research grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC)
• Recognized for leadership in international survey projects such as the Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey

Key Publications

Professor Driver has authored or co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers. Below is a selection of notable works:

• 'Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): Structural Investigation of Galaxies via Model Analysis' (2011) - Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
• 'The Bivariate Luminosity and Mass Functions of Early-Type Galaxies' (1995) - Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
• 'Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): Panchromatic Data Release' (2016) - Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Simon Driver has made significant contributions to cosmology through his leadership in the Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey, a major project that has provided critical insights into galaxy formation, stellar mass assembly, and the role of environment in galaxy evolution. His work has helped shape modern understanding of the cosmic web and the distribution of matter in the universe, influencing both observational techniques and theoretical models in extragalactic astronomy.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

• Regular speaker at international astronomy conferences and public outreach events
• Member of various scientific committees associated with large-scale survey projects
• Contributor to editorial boards and peer-review processes for leading astrophysics journals