Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop: The 2024 SPIE Directors’ Award
Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, a professor in the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Queensland, works across the areas of atomic, molecular, biological, and optical physics, as well as quantum science. She began her career in atomic physics; her current research interests are in biophotonics, quantum science, laser physics, linear and nonlinear high-resolution spectroscopy, and nano-optics. She was one of the originators of laser-enhanced ionization spectroscopy and is widely recognized for her work in laser micromanipulation. Beyond her lauded research, Rubinsztein-Dunlop is also recognized for her longstanding and proactive support and mentorship of women scientists. In 2018, as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, Rubinsztein-Dunlop was included as an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to laser physics and nano-optics as a researcher, mentor, and academic, as well as for the promotion of educational programs and women in science.
An SPIE Fellow since 2011, Rubinsztein-Dunlop has contributed extensively to SPIE. She has served on the Board of Directors, and has chaired the Society’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. In addition, she has served on the Fellows, Publications, Symposia, and Strategic Planning committees and multiple conference program committees, as well as chairing the Nanoscience + Engineering conference at SPIE Optics + Photonics. She was also featured in the 2010 SPIE Women in Optics publication. "I love being connected with people around the world," she said in a 2018 interview with SPIE. “Being able to work with SPIE, to push it forward, is both interesting and rewarding, especially when it comes to recognizing the connections between basic research and industry. Working with SPIE broadens my horizons."
“Dr. Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop is an outstanding researcher who has made pioneering contributions to optics and photonics,” notes recent SPIE Board of Directors member Kyle J. Myers. “She is also a much-appreciated colleague who has always been actively supportive to those around her, particularly fellow women scientists. She is an exceptional scientist, a devoted SPIE ambassador, and a longtime-leader and supporter of SPIE programs and initiatives, and I’m delighted to see her honored by the Society in this way.”
Meet the other 2024 SPIE Society Award recipients.
Read more about Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop and the SPIE Directors’ Award.
