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
Plant discovery opens frontiers
Scientists discover biochemical mechanism fundamental to plant life that could have huge implications for biomedical, pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology industries.
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Deadly diseases to be hit by single vaccine
Scientists from the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases have developed a single vaccination approach to simultaneously combat influenza and pneumococcal infections.
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Pollen allergens: Are plants trying to kill us?
Pollen allergies have long been a major pandemic health problem for humans. Plant molecular geneticist Deborah Devis is learning that pollen proteins play a vital role in a plant's reproductive process.
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The Fungus Olympics
The race is on to find new ways to tackle disease. That’s why we’re competing in this year’s Fungus Olympics.
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Scientists discover how mutations in DNA can cause neurodegenerative disease
Scientists discover how mutations in DNA can cause neurodegenerative disease.
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Gone feral: Why Australia needs to kill cats
In light of a UN report highlighting the world’s extinction crisis, Australia urgently needs well-targeted cat culls.
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New director of world-leading plant research facility
The University of Adelaide-led world-leading facility that underpins innovative plant research in Australia has appointed its first Executive Director to drive future success.
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New leadership for food sciences research
South Australia’s multi-billion-dollar food industries will benefit from new scientific leadership in the state.
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Wild barley reveals drought tolerant traits that could improve elite cultivars
Scientists discover wild barley genes that could be used to improve drought tolerance in barley, the second most important cereal crop in Australia.
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Uncovering long-term growth histories in fishery species
Jasmin Martino investigates the use of ear stone chronologies for understanding long-term trends and drivers of growth in fisheries.
Read more about Uncovering long-term growth histories in fishery species