RASNZ Conference 2027
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Meet our 2027 Keynote Speakers
The RASNZ conference is an annual event that brings together astronomers, astrophysicists, and other professionals in the field to discuss the latest developments and advancements in astronomy. Our esteemed speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from academia, research institutions, and industry, and are guaranteed to provide engaging and informative presentations. From keynote speakers to university students, there is something for everyone at this year's conference. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn and connect with other astronomy enthusiasts!
One of the highlights of the conference is the keynote speakers who are invited to share their expertise and insights with the attendees.
Dr Yvette Perrott
Astrophysicist and Senior Lecturer
Victoria University of Wellington
Yvette did her undergraduate studies at the University of Auckland, gaining a BA, BSc and BSc(Hons) majoring in Physics, Italian and Spanish before moving to Cambridge University on a Rutherford PhD Scholarship in 2010. She completed her PhD in the Cavendish Astrophysics Group in 2013 and was awarded a Trinity College Junior Research Fellowship in the same year. In 2017 she was awarded a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship which she took up at VUW in 2018.
Her main research interest is the study of clusters of galaxies. Galaxy clusters contain hot gas which interacts with the leftover radiation from the Big Bang, producing a signal in the radio frequency range known as the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect. Her research involves observing the SZ signal with radio telescopes and using this to infer the total masses of galaxy clusters, which as a function of distance can be used to study the expansion history and properties of the Universe.
Prof Warrick Lawson
Astrophysicist
UNSW Canberra
Professor Warrick Lawson is an astrophysicist whose research focuses on star formation, young stellar populations, stellar evolution, circumstellar disks, and planet formation. He has held senior academic leadership roles at UNSW Canberra, including Associate Dean for Research and Head of the School of Science, reflecting his long-standing commitment to advancing astronomical research and mentoring emerging scientists.
Professor Lawson’s work spans observational studies of nearby star‑forming regions using major Australian and international facilities, along with space‑based data from missions such as NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope. He has authored more than 100 journal articles, contributing significantly to our understanding of how stars and planetary systems develop.
He also supervises postgraduate researchers, offering PhD and Masters opportunities in stellar astrophysics at UNSW Canberra.