Phil Bland, Curtin University
Professor and director of Curtin’s Space Science and Technology Centre
Phil Bland is a John Curtin distinguished professor, planetary scientist in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University, and the director of the university’s Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC). His research is focused on the origin and evolution of the solar system, and planetary exploration, through the analysis of meteorites. His work has taken him to meteorite “hot spots” across the globe, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Desert Fireball Network in Western Australia. He also led his planetary research group to create their own miniaturised satellites which were launched early this year. Bland was named a joint winner in the prestigious Scientist of the Year category at the 2019 Western Australian Premier’s Science Awards. He was also ranked in The Educator Hot List 2019.