David Payne has a background in photonics and electronics and his primary field of expertise is photovoltaics (PV), with a view towards lowering the cost and increasing the efficiency of solar cells to accelerate the uptake of sustainable and clean energy production.
He is head of the PV and optical characterisation lab at MQ and has a strong record of successful research grant acquistion and management. He is a named investigator on a combined total of $5.3 million of research funding across categories 1 and 3, of which he is/was lead investigator for $1.5 million.
He has published >60 research papers in high-quality scientific journals and is a named inventor on 6 patents.
His current research projects include the development of highly efficient solar windows based on luminescent solar concentrator technology, and improved solar module recycling using microwave processing. 

His core research interests are:

• Silicon solar cells
• Nanophotonics and light-trapping
• Advanced optical characterisation and modelling
• Material defect characterisation and mitigation
• Solar recycling and microwave processing
• Image processing and research software development

He has taught numerous units within the MQ electronic and electrical engineering degree, at  both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. He is passionate about effective teaching innovation and increasing student engagement. In recent years he has co-led the development of multiple creative approaches to enable high-quality practical remote learning and efficient and effective student support. He is the recipient of mulitple FSE teaching innovation awards and has been a highly commended finalist for the Vice Chancellor's learning and teaching awards. 

Teaching units that he has convened/supervised include:

• Arduino Circuit Workshop
• Electrical and Electronic Systems
• Nonlinear Circuits and Devices
• Electronic Devices and Systems
• Engineering Thesis A/B
• Digital Systems Design

David is also Chair of the Work, Health and Safety committee for the school of engineering. Through this role he is actively developing and implementing strategies for improved laboratory safety and management, increased engagement of academics with WHS, and improved awareness and facilities towards health and wellbeing. He has developed and pioneered a streamlined approach for laboratory management and inspections within the school of engineering which includes a novel certification system to provide recognition to management teams that consistantly uphold and demonstrate best-practice.

During his tenure at Macquarie University, David has been an invited visiting research scholar at the University of Oxford and has held an adjunct position at the University of New South Wales.