Dr. Tara Murphy

Professor

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Biography

Tara Murphy is a Professor at the University of Sydney and serves as the Head of the School of Physics. She is a Chief Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. Her research specializes in extreme astronomical objects that change rapidly on human timescales, particularly focusing on radio transients. Murphy leads the Variables and Slow Transients (VAST) project using the Australian SKA Pathfinder Telescope (ASKAP) to discover remote radio emissions from powerful explosive events such as supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, as well as local flaring stars and potentially exoplanets. She has spearheaded Australia's efforts in radio follow-up of gravitational wave events detected by LIGO, notably contributing to the detection of radio emissions from the binary neutron star merger GW170817 in collaboration with international colleagues. Her work aligns with the Faculty of Science's research strengths in understanding the universe and fundamental laws of nature. Murphy's notable projects include studying multiwavelength signatures of synchrotron transients and has secured significant grants for her research. She has a strong educational and research leadership background in astrophysics and radio astronomy, contributing extensively to our understanding of the cosmos.

Research Interests

Experience

Head

2018-01-01 — Present

School of Physics • University of Sydney

Overseeing the academic and research activities of the School.

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.