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 Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- ARC CoE for Particle Physics at the Terascale (CoEPP)
- ARC CoE in Plant Cell Walls
- ARC CoE in Plant Energy Biology
Cooperative Research Centres (CRC)
Research centres
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Gravitational Wave Discovery - OzGrav
- 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
- FoodPlus 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
African origins of giant extinct New Zealand bird revealed
Scientists have revealed the African origins of New Zealand’s most mysterious giant flightless bird – the now extinct adzebill – showing that some of its closest living relatives are the pint-sized flufftails from Madagascar and Africa.
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Shining a light on sea snake senses
University of Adelaide marine biologists have discovered that some sea snakes contain genes in their tail skin that help them stay safe from predators.
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Chasing clouds in Antarctica: cool stories from a physics graduate
It’s a unique way to escape the heat. Physics graduate Tom Chambers spent his summer exploring clouds in Antarctica.
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Eyre Peninsula malleefowl chick discovery excites ecologists
Cameras recently captured a malleefowl chick scratching about in the dirt in a wildlife refuge on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.
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Researchers link penguin evolution to island formation
DNA from prehistoric penguin bones analysed by University of Adelaide scientists, have contributed to new findings about the evolution of these aquatic flightless birds.
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New pneumonia vaccine could save two million lives per year
A vaccine against the biggest bacterial killer on the planet is a step closer to being available with funding secured for preclinical trials.
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Plant & Food Research boost at Waite campus
A new industry partner at Waite campus is set to boost research and innovation in South Australia’s horticulture and agri-food sectors.
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Penalties for animal cruelty double in SA, but is this enough to stop animal abuse?
Australians are outraged when animal abuse punishments are seen to be inadequate.
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Palaeontologist identifies ‘mystery photographer’ of the Naracoorte Caves
Scientists emphasise the importance of historical writing in caves, after proving the identity of the first person to photograph Australian caves more than 150 years ago.
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Scientists buzzing after new bee discoveries
South Australian scientists including a bee expert from the University of Adelaide, have discovered 26 new species of native Australian bees.
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