John Close is a Professor in the Department of Quantum Science at the Research School of Physics and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. John's research focusses on harnessing the properties of ultra-cold atoms to develop quantum sensors for measuring gravitational fields and magnetic fields, with applications in underground structure mapping and navigation on Earth and in space. John's work is multidisciplinary and he has broad collaborations with Earth Sciences and Biology, as well as Industry. John is former Head of the Department of Quantum Science, former elected member of ANU Council, and current Head of ANU Defence Engagement. John was awarded the Australian Defence Industry Prize for Academic of the Year and the Australian Defence Industry Prize for Excellence in 2020.