Simon O'Toole

(he/him)

7

Articles

15

Comments

I am an astronomy data expert and Head of Research Data & Software at Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO) at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. I have a PhD in astrophysics, and have worked as a research fellow, provided technical support, and managed data systems at the Australian Astronomical Observatory before transitioning to my current leadership role at Macquarie University.

I am a Fellow of the Astronomical Society of Australia, and am the immediate past chair of the International Virtual Observatory Alliance. I am invited to speak at national and international data conferences, notably DataEngBytes and the Astronomical Data Analysis and Software Systems conference series.

As a astronomical researcher, I was interested in "starquakes" or asteroseismology, exoplanets and the late stages of stellar evolution. These days though, I spend most of my time enabling science and research.

Experience

  • 2008–present
    Deputy Gemini Scientist, Australian Astronomical Observatory
  • 2013–present
    Web and Information Administrator, Australian Astronomical Observatory
  • 2022–present
    Head of Research Data and Software, Australian Astronomical Optics
  • 2018–2021
    Head of Data and IT, Australian Astronomical Optics
  • 2005–2008
    Research Fellow, Anglo-Australian Observatory

Education

  • 2003 
    University of Sydney, PhD
  • 1999 
    University of Sydney, Bachelor of Science (Hons I)

Professional Memberships

  • Astronomical Society of Australia

Research Areas

  • Astronomical And Space Sciences (0201)
  • Stellar Astronomy And Planetary Systems (020110)
  • Data Structures (080403)
  • Computer System Security (080303)
  • Computer System Architecture (080302)
  • Networking And Communications (080503)

Honours

Fellow of the Astronomical Society of Australia

Contact Simon for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision