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
Biodiverse soil dust linked to reduced anxiety
Growing evidence links natural green space exposure with a range of health benefits, including for mental health.
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Gene scans provide deep insights into plant evolution
The availability of high-quality plant genome sequences and advances in functional genomics is revolutionising our ability to understand plant evolution.
Read more about Gene scans provide deep insights into plant evolution
Hot as shell: birds in cooler climates lay darker eggs to keep their embryos warm
Research shows that climate is an important indicator of what colour and pattern bird eggs will be.
Read more about birds in cooler climates lay darker eggs to keep their embryos warm
New Ramsay Fellow in Applied Science
Fiona Whelan has been appointed as the newest Ramsay Fellow in Applied Science.
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Making high value products from agricultural waste
Sunscreen from mushroom waste, healthy skincare products from apples and berries, and high-tech materials from Brussels sprout stalks?
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New AgTech scholarship set to bear fruit
A new partnership between the State Government and the University of Adelaide to deliver an AgTech PhD scholarship is open for applications.
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Who's eating away Australia's national parks?
Australia’s national parks are under serious threat of overgrazing and native kangaroos are major contributors to the problem.
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Urban rewilding paper wins Bradshaw Medal
A research paper that recommends increasing urban green spaces to prevent human disease, has won a significant award in its field.
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Local geoscientist the first Australian student to win award
Geoscientist Natalie Debenham has been awarded the Journal of Structural Geology’s 'Student Author of the Year Award'.
Read more about Local geoscientist the first Australian student to win award