ProfIrina Kabakova

Dr Irina Kabakova is a Professor in Optical Physics with the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, UTS. She specialises in developing novel microscopy techniques based on Brillouin light scattering that can be directly applied to map local compressibility and viscoelasticity of cells and tissues at the microscale. She also has interests in photonic integration and miniaturisation of imaging setups that will enable translation of laboratory techniques towards clinical use. 

Irina is an alumna of Moscow State University (2004-2007), where she did her Masters Degree in nonlinear optics, and the University of Sydney (2008-2011) where she undertook her PhD in nonlinear optics, high-Q cavities and all-optical switching. Irina held various research positions at the University of Sydney, Nanoscience Centre AMOLF in Amsterdam, and Imperial College London before moving to UTS in 2017.

In 2018, Irina received a prestigious Australian Research Council Discovery award to construct the first in Australia Brillouin Imaging (BI) Facility and study application of BI to understanding mechanobiology of bone and lung cells. This research aims to explain how pathological processes within these biological systems alter their micromechanical properties and apply BI as a diagnostics tool for various human diseases and conditions.

As a dedicated educator, Irina has contributed to the development of several teaching programs for UTS’s Bachelor of Science in Physics degree (Optics, Medical Devices and Diagnostics, Medical Imaging Technology). She is a core member of the Institute of Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD@UTS). To date, she has attracted a combined total of over $70m in research funding – a major achievement in a relatively short scientific career. She is a Chief Investigator in the Australian Research Council Centers of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) and Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS).

In 2022, Irina received the Australian and New Zealand Optical Society (ANZOS) Award for Mid-Career Scientists and the Mid-Career Researcher Award from UTS in 2023. She has published widely in top tier journals and books including Nature Methods, Nature Communications, Small and Biofabrication. She has also been a keynote, plenary and invited speaker at conferences in Australia, Europe and USA.

Fascinated by her field of research, Irina’s ultimate aim is to increase the speed and bring down the cost of these promising new technologies so they can be used in the diagnostics and treatment of many diseases including cancer, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and fibrosis.

For further details see research group website Kabakova Lab UTS