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Faculty of Science

Custom-built physics instruments

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School of Physics

Driving world-changing innovation through the fundamental science

With access to supercomputers, modern laboratory facilities and observatories, locally, nationally and internationally, we conduct research across a vast range of interests from quantum science to clusters of galaxies.

The School of Physics at the University of Sydney is the leading physics department in the country, with outstanding staff and students undertaking world-leading teaching and research.

In the most recent Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report, we were the only physical sciences school in Australia to receive a perfect score in all eight categories, and achieved a top score of five in every category.

Physics lab equipment.

Study with us

Discover all the ways you can study physics at the University of Sydney. From undergraduate to postgraduate research.

Physics lab equipment.

Our research

Our collective research interests go beyond traditional physics. We undertake research that pioneers new ways of thinking and innovative approaches.

Centres and institutes_

Sydney Institute for Astronomy

We are a leader in big data science with local and national supercomputing resources supporting simulations of cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution.

Faculties and schools_

Blood moon and satellite dish.

Physics Foundation

For over 50 years, the Foundation’s philanthropic work in supporting scientific research, education and outreach has continued, thanks to support from science, business, industry and government.

Woman standing in front of wall holding ipad

Equity, access and diversity

Our goal is to provide an environment that is equitable and supportive for all staff and students, free of conscious and unconscious bias, with access to facilities, learning and work open to all.

Facilities at the School of Physics

Our research expertise and our facilities offer a wide range of expertise to industry in diverse areas such as:

projects involving mathematical analysis of a system
optical system evaluation and design
optical coatings
microscopic imaging
image processing and visualisation
environmental testing, such as levels of electromagnetic radiation
energy efficiency and solar energy usage
evacuated glazing
computer control

Explore our industry partnerships and how we can help.

Our people

Leadership

Professor Tara Murphy
Head of School

Clara Spencer
School Manager

Associate Professor Archil Kobakhidze
Associate Head of Research

Associate Professor Boris Kuhlmey
Associate Head of Education

Associate Professor Helen Johnston
1^stYear Coordinator

Associate Professor Bruce Yabsley
Honours Coordinator

Dr Svetlana Postnova
Postgraduate Admissions Coordinator

Professor Kevin Varvell
Postgraduate Candidature Coordinator

Academic staff

Browse our academic staff

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Research students

Browse our research students

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Sydney Quantum Academy

Head of School

Tara Murphy

Professor Tara Murphy

View academic profile

School of Physics

Phone

+61 2 9351 3037

Email

physics.studentservices@sydney.edu.au

Address

Room 210 Physics A28

Physics activities

Useful links

Latest news

A study of brain shape and geometry. Courtesty Dr James Pang, Monash University

Our brain shape influences how it works, landmark study finds

How brain activity resonates across and through its architecture could be more important than connections between neurons. The new research in Nature could mean studying the brain to understand its role in health is more straightforward.

Professor Iver Cairns (left) with CUAVA PhD student Savannah McGuirk at the awards ceremony.

Iver Cairns recognised as Scientist of the Year at the Australian Space Awards

Winning from a group of 10 finalists, Professor Iver Cairns has dedicated his award to the scientists and students helping build Australia's space industry through CUAVA training centre.

Photo of quantum technology dilution fridge. Adobe Stock Images

University of Sydney welcomes National Quantum Strategy

The Federal Government has unveiled its roadmap to scale up quantum technology in Australia. The University looks forward to working with industry and government to deliver on the great promise of quantum tech.

Professor Joss Bland-Hawthorn

Sydney scientist elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Professor Joss Bland-Hawthorn, from the School of Physics in the Faculty of Science and Director of the Sydney Institute for Astronomy, has been elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Abstract DNA, an artist's impression.

Nano-architectured materials that respond to light in real time

Biological systems respond to external stimuli such as light, heat, magnetism. Scientists are looking to develop new materials that mimic these abilities for myriad uses in nanoscience, engineering and medicine.

Nanowire network

Nanowire networks learn and remember like a human brain

An international team led by scientists at the University of Sydney has demonstrated nanowire networks can exhibit both short- and long-term memory like the human brain.

Tarantula nebula. Source: NASA Chandra telescope

From parsecs to milliCrab: why do astronomers use such weird units?

An asteroid 'the size of 33 armadillos' might be a flight of fancy, but real astronomers do measure celestial objects with units that sound just as strange. Dr Laura Driessen from explains.

Illustration of dust clouds capturing gamma ray burst GRB221009A. Source: ESA

Blinded by the light: gamma ray burst brighter than any seen before

Gamma ray bursts are the most explosive events in the Universe. Astronomers last year witnessed the brightest ever seen and have analysed the results, with a Sydney team providing important evidence.

Artist's impression of photon bound states scattering off an artificial atom. Credit: University of Basel

Scientists open door to manipulating 'quantum light'

The way light interacts with matter continues to enthral scientists and the human imagination, both for its theoretical beauty and its powerful practical application in fields like metrology and computing.

EnduroSat mini satellite.

Are we alone? University and EnduroSat join up in search for life among the stars

Led by Professor Peter Tuthill, the TOLIMAN mission to search for planets capable of hosting life around Alpha Centauri has taken a step forward, engaging EnduroSat to take our technology into orbit.