Michael Newton Barber AO FAA (born 30 April 1947) is a mathematician, physicist and academic.

During his time as vice-chancellor he worked "to enhance the University’s contribution to the ‘new South Australia’ with its strong defence and resources sectors.

"[2] In 2012, Barber was a member of the South Australian State Advisory Council of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA).

[4] Throughout his career, Barber has acted as an advisor on science and research matters to government and industry in Australia and overseas.

[7] In 2018 Barber was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for "distinguished service to higher education administration, and in the field of mathematical physics, particularly statistical mechanics, as an academic and researcher, and through contributions to science policy reform".