Early life and education in the Netherlands
Born and educated in the Netherlands, Professor Richard de Grijs has forged a truly global academic career spanning four continents. From his early studies at the University of Groningen to his current position as Professor of Astrophysics at Macquarie University in Sydney, de Grijs exemplifies the international reach of Dutch science and scholarship. His journey reflects a blend of deep scientific expertise and a commitment to public engagement, including a growing interest in maritime history and Australia’s early colonial science.
After completing his MPhys (Doctorandus) in Physics and Astronomy in December 1992, de Grijs earned his PhD in Astrophysics at the University of Groningen in October 1997. His formative years in Dutch academia grounded him in rigorous research methods and a broad understanding of both theoretical and observational astrophysics.
An international academic journey
Following his doctoral studies, de Grijs took on postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Virginia and at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge. In 2003, he was appointed to a permanent faculty position at the University of Sheffield in the UK. His research in stellar populations and star clusters earned him international recognition, eventually leading to a full professorship at Peking University in China in 2009. There, he joined the prestigious Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, contributing to East Asia’s growing role in global space science.
In March 2018, de Grijs moved to Australia, taking up a professorship at Macquarie University in Sydney. He served as Associate Dean (Global Engagement) from 2018 to 2021 and continues to play a leadership role in international scientific cooperation. Since July 2023, he has also served as Executive Director of the International Space Science Institute–Beijing (ISSI–BJ), a hub for Indo-Pacific space collaboration.
Science, storytelling and public outreach
Beyond his academic research, de Grijs has become a prolific public speaker, known for his engaging lectures on astronomy, astrophysics, and maritime history. His public outreach efforts bridge science and storytelling, making complex topics accessible to diverse audiences. In 2023, he co-authored the first detailed biography of William Dawes, the astronomer who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788. The book offers fresh insights into early colonial science in Australia and Dawes’s complex legacy as both scientist and abolitionist.
A Dutch-Australian legacy in science
De Grijs’s Dutch roots remain a subtle but important part of his global identity. His career offers a compelling story of scholarly migration, intercultural exchange, and scientific diplomacy. For Dutch Australians and the wider academic community, his achievements underscore the value of international networks in advancing knowledge and public understanding.
His story—rooted in Dutch education and branching across the globe—offers a valuable perspective for the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre. It highlights not only the excellence of Dutch science abroad but also the enduring contributions of Dutch-born scholars to Australia’s intellectual and cultural life.
See also: Richard de Grijs home page.
