Prof Kabakova specialises in label-free approaches to optical imaging with the focus on Brillouin imaging technique. She runs a research group and Brillouin Imaging Lab at the University of Technology Sydney, and leads research as a Chief Investigator with the ARC CoE in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) and Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS). She is the recipient of ANZOS Mid-Career Scientist 2022 Award and Finalist of NMI 2024 Impact Award. She serves on a Council of ANZOS and a Board Member of the International BioBrillouin Society.