Our Research
World-class research. Discoveries of global significance.
The Faculty of Sciences is a synergy of four research intensive schools; thriving research centres and groups; and strong cross-institutional collaborations.
Our world-renowned scientists are critical thinkers and experts in their fields. Our researchers link with experts in industry, government and international institutions to solve real-world problems. They are driven by a passion to find answers, and to discover new ways to make our world a smarter, safer and a more sustainable place.
From understanding disease and tackling environmental challenges, to advancing technology and mapping distant galaxies; our teaching is informed by our cutting-edge research.
Our campuses are home to a number of co-located industry partners, affiliated researchers and research institutes of international significance. This close proximity offers a unique opportunity for our students to gain practical and theoretical knowledge through dynamic national and international research projects.
Join us, as we make (gravitational) waves through the world of science.
Career and study options
Higher degrees by research Honours in Science Summer Research Scholarships
Research fields
Research institutes and centres
Research institutes
- Environment Institute
- Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing
- Waite Research Institute
ARC Centres of Excellence (COE)
- ARC CoE for Dark Matter Particle Physics
- ARC CoE for Nanoscale BioPhotonics - CNBP
- ARC CoE for Particle Physics at the Terascale - CoEPP
- ARC CoE in Gravitational Wave Discovery - OzGrav
- ARC CoE in Plant Cell Walls
- ARC CoE in Plant Energy Biology
Cooperative Research Centres (CRC)
Research centres
- ARC Research HARCub for Legumes in Sustainable Agriculture
- ARC Research Hub for Wheat in a Hot and Dry Climate
- ARC Special Research Centre for the Subatomic Structure of Matter - CSSM
- ARC Training Centre in Innovative Wine Production
- Australia-China Joint Research Centre on Grains for Health
- Australian Bioactive Compounds Centre
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA - ACAD
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity - ACEBB
- Australian Plant Phenomics Facility and The Plant Accelerator®
- Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials - CAN
- Centre for Applied Conservation Science
- Centre for Complex Systems and the Structure of Matter - C2SSM
- Centre for Energy Technology
- Centre for Tectonics, Resources and Exploration - TRaX
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre
- JS Davies Research Centre
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases - RCID
- South Australian Centre for Geothermal Energy Research
- Sprigg Geobiology Centre
- Water Research Centre - WRC
Science research news
Local boost for AgTech, food and wine start-ups
Start-up companies in agricultural technology, food and wine are being given a guiding hand with a new business incubator launched at the University of Adelaide’s Waite campus.
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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.
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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.
Read more about Trapping atoms to protect Australia’s groundwater
Researchers develop a non-invasive test for smoke contamination in vineyards
Researchers have trialled a non-invasive model for detecting smoke contamination in grapevines.
Read more about Researchers develop a non-invasive test for smoke contamination in vineyards
Deep breath: this sea snake gathers oxygen through its forehead
Only fish have gills, right? Wrong. Scientists have found a snake that can breathe through the top of its own head.
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Why are fossils more often male?
University of Adelaide researchers have discovered that fossil and museum collections around the world are home to more male than female mammals.
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Restrained or unrestrained – Dogs travelling in cars set for a ‘ruff’ ride
Researchers call for compulsory testing of in-car dog restraints and better education about the dangers of having pets loose in your car.
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Tackling the causes of the Amazon forest fires
If we are so concerned for the rainforest why don’t we do more globally to help protect it?
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It’s common for dogs to be scared of going to the vet
A new study finds up to 40 per cent of owners report their pet dogs are scared while being examined by a vet.
Read more about It’s common for dogs to be scared of going to the vet