Physics Research
Our physics research captures international attention in the world's best research journals, as we collaborate with national and international partners on cutting-edge global physics projects.
- We explore the fundamental studies of the structure of sub-atomic matter, and develop novel optical and photonic systems for a wide range of applications.
- We investigate the upper atmosphere using a network of sites that stretch from the equator to the Antarctic.
- We analyse the structure of the universe under, above and beyond the earth through our astrophysics and geophysics programs.
- We aim to improve healthcare through our medical physics research.
Our recent highlights include the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN; the discovery of gravitational waves by LIGO; and the discovery of astrophysical neutrinos by IceCube.
Research strengths
Our scientists work across the following multidisciplinary themes. Across all themes, our research has been rated by Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) as:
- Well above world standard: Astronomical and space sciences; Atomic, molecular, particle and plasma physics; Optical physics
Data science & super-computing
Modern science meets technology. Modelling complex systems and analysing big data to apply expertise to complicated environmental, social and financial systems.
Environmental sensing
Using lasers and optical fibres to measure time and materials in the Earth to improve the accuracy of mining; and to forensically examine archaeological and palaeontological sites.
High-energy astrophysics & extreme astronomy
Studying extreme processes in astrophysics through observation of highly energetic cosmic rays, gamma rays, neutrinos and gravitational waves.
High-energy particle physics
Searching for the Higgs particle, dark matter, supersymmetry, extra dimensions and, quite generally, new physical laws.
Medical physics
Improving clinical radiotherapy and medical imaging, and exploring future clinical applications of proton therapy.
Image courtesy Dr Michael Douglass
Optics, lasers & photonics
New photonic technologies for scientific, industrial, mineral, environmental, agricultural and medical applications.
Space & atmospheric physics
Exploring Earth from the ground up. From weather and climate, to solar events which affect power lines, radar surveillance, telecommunications and space vehicles.
Theoretical physics
Exploring fundamental quantum field theories of the Standard Model of the Universe.
Defence and Security
Using physics to enhance and improve Australia's defence and security
Centres and institutes
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics - CNBP
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Particle Physics at the Terascale - CoEPP
- ARC Special Research Centre for the Subatomic Structure of Matter - CSSM
- Centre for Complex Systems and the Structure of Matter - C2SSM
- Institute of Photonics & Advanced Sensing - IPAS
Physics news
A collapsing star in a distant galaxy fired out some of the most energetic gamma rays ever seen
New research shows we still have much to learn about gamma-ray bursts; but gives us confidence that our methods to detect them are improving.
Shedding new light in many directions
In a unique initiative, Defence Science and Technology and the University of Adelaide are conducting dual-use research that has found applications in defence, mining, medicine, soil forensics and archaeology.
Trapping atoms to protect Australia’s groundwater
A unique new facility at the University of Adelaide will help protect Australia’s precious groundwater from overuse and contamination.
Physics events
Public lecture - Universal Science
Spend an evening with an internationally diverse set of scientists who will answer questions about particle physics and high-performance distributed computing.
Physics Seminar: Dr Helen Maynard-Casely
Our solar system contains a great array of small planetary bodies that show remarkable variability in the chemistry, and subsequent materials, that form on their surfaces.
Open Day - Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing
Celebrate the fantastic research being conducted at IPAS, and explore the opportunities for summer scholarships, honours and PhD research.
Study options
Explore the honours and PhD options within the school.
Find a researcher
Search our research database for experts and supervisors.
Partner with us
Learn how we can help you solve your scientific problems.