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
Esteemed gravitational wave scientist appointed head of School of Physical Sciences
Professor Peter Veitch has been appointed Head of the School of Physical Sciences.
Higher precision mirrors set to benefit 'next gen' gravitational wave detectors
Improved deformable mirrors could help scientists detect new sources of gravitational waves from deep in space.
Leading particle physicist receives highest Australia Day award
Honours for Professor Anthony Thomas, who put the University of Adelaide on the world map of outstanding centres working in fundamental nuclear and particle physics.
Physics events
A summary of seminars and events hosted by the Department of Physics at the University of Adelaide.
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.
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.