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About

Andrew Hopkins is a leading astronomical instrumentation scientist whose work is revolutionizing how we map the universe. His primary research focuses on developing advanced fiber-optic positioning systems for large telescopes, enabling massive spectroscopic surveys of stars and galaxies. Hopkins is best known as the driving force behind **TAIPAN**, a groundbreaking instrument for the UK Schmidt Telescope that employs 150 independently-controlled "Starbug" robotic positioners to feed optical fibers into precise locations. This technology, detailed in his 2014 paper (23 citations) and 2016 engineering overview (11 citations), not only conducts stellar and galaxy surveys of the Southern sky but also serves as the critical prototype for **MANIFEST**, a fiber-fed positioning system for the future 24.5m Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). His most recent work (2024, 2 citations) outlines how MANIFEST will enhance GMT's first-light instruments, G-CLEF and GMACS, dramatically expanding their survey capabilities. With over 36 citations across his key publications, Hopkins' contributions are foundational to the next generation of multi-object spectroscopy, positioning him as a pivotal figure in Australian and global astronomy.