Our history
Expanding scientific knowledge in Australia for over 160 years
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We have dedicated ourselves to advancing science education and research since day one. Our aim for the future is to pioneer scientific solutions that can help society address the most pressing challenges: climate change, food security, and wellbeing.
Teaching of science at the University of Sydney is as old as the University itself, with the first professors arriving in 1852.
The Faculty of Science was later established in 1882, when government funding and a substantial bequest from John Henry Challis provided impetus for the University to expand.
The first Chemistry Building wad constructed in 1890 on Science Road, now used by the Sydney Pharmacy School.
Professor Robert Park at the Plant Breeding Institute, Camden inspecting wheat for deadly cereal rust.
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The first science classes only had a handful of students, but by the early 20th century there were more than 350 undergraduate students.
The Faculty of Veterinary Science officially opened in 1910, with the Veterinary Sciences Round House designed and later built in 1920. The House received the National Trust of Australia Heritage Award in 2012.
In 1932, the Faculty of Science few to 353 undergraduates and six professors in physics, chemistry, zoology, geology and physical geography, botany, and mathematics (pure and applied).
In 1954, the acquisition of land by the University of Sydney in Camden made way for large animal teaching. This was followed by the established of the Plant Breeding Institute in 1973, to ensure the genetic improvement of cereal, legume and horticultural crops.
One Tree Island Research Station in the Great Barrier Reef came under University of Sydney management in 1974, providing a a prestine natural laboratory for marine research.
By our centenary year in 1982 we had expanded to include 31 professors, many of whom were in new disciplines. We now have 300 academic staff and over 4,000 students.
Science in Australia and abroad is experiencing rapid advancement to address major climate and health challenges.
To meet the growing demand in research and education, we have established a new Sydney Nanoscience Hub, home to some of Australia's leading research in nanoscale science and technology.
Our state-of-the-art LEES1 Building has brought together researchers across the life, earth and environmental sciences. And we've seen the launch of the University of Sydney Mathematical Reasearch Institute, aimed at transforming the cultural status of mathematics in Australia.
We recently opened the International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture at Narrabri, a world-class facility to help transform global food security, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
LEES 1 Building for life, earth and environmental sciences research and education.
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The International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture at the Narrabri, a world-class facility at the forefront of global agricultural research, teaching and industry engagement.
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