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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.

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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.

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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.

Teaching at the School of Physics

Our 120 staff and 160 postgraduate students conduct research across a vast range of interests. The School of Physics is the premier environment for physics education and research.

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.

Equity, access and diversity

The School of Physics, like the University of Sydney as a whole, aims to provide an environment for learning and working where our students, staff and visitors feel comfortable and included. Learn more about our equity, access and diversity initiatives.

Our people

Leadership

Professor Celine Boehm
Head of School

Professor Tara Murphy
Deputy 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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How to study physics

Explore your options

Learn about our research

Head of School

Celine Boehm

Professor Celine Boehm

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Physics activities

Useful links

School of Physics

Phone

+61 2 9351 3037 (General enquiries/ Reception)

Email

physics.studentservices@sydney.edu.au

Address

Room 210 Physics A28

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Sydney Quantum Academy

Latest news

02 September 2021

Professor Anita Ho-Baillie (left) and Dr Tess Reynolds have been named finalists in the 2021 Eureka Prizes for Science.

2021 Eureka Prize finalists announced

Two academics from the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Medicine and Health have been named as Eureka Prize finalists in recognition of their innovative research into solar-cell technology and 3D imaging.

CUAVA-1 mock up in orbit

CUAVA-1 launches for deployment from International Space Station

A satellite designed and built in Sydney is helping pave the way for Australia's scientific and commercial space industry. Mission leader Professor Iver Cairns is Director of CUAVA.

Main quadrangle building

Nine Sydney researchers awarded ARC Future Fellowships

University of Sydney researchers have been awarded more than $17m from the Australian Research Council to tackle challenges of national importance.

Abstract image representing quantum technology. Shutterstock

Q-CTRL unveils machine learning technique to pinpoint quantum errors

Professor Michael Biercuk's quantum tech startup makes research strides through continued collaboration with the University to enhance quantum computing performance.

Plasma tech could replace one of world's rarest materials

New plasma coating technology could see the phase-out of rare earth metal indium that is used in smartphone glass and dimmable windows, which is predicted to run out in 10 years.

Galaxy NGC 4254 taken by the European Southern Observatory

Galactic fireworks: stunning features of nearby galaxies revealed

Using the most advanced telescopes on Earth and in orbit, scientists like Dr Rebecca McElroy have gained unprecedented access to nearby galaxies, investigating how clouds of cold gas coalesce into hot balls of nuclear fusion giving birth to stars.