Our research
Covering all areas of scientific endeavour, from astrophysics to climate change, epidemiology to theoretical chemistry, scientists at ANU use their skills to contribute to advancing science for the future of the world.
To categorise these activities is difficult to say the least. The areas listed here are broad headings, and the tip of the iceberg in regards to the research projects and activities we engage in.
Astronomy & astrophysics
The ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) operates Australia’s largest optical observatory and has access to the world’s largest optical telescopes.
Biology
The ANU Research School of Biology (RSB) is internationally recognised for its high-impact research in plant sciences, evolution, ecology, genetics, parasitology and biotechnology.
Chemistry
The ANU Research School of Chemistry has an enviable reputation as a powerhouse of chemical research, attracting leading chemists from around the country and overseas.
Earth & marine sciences
The ANU Research School of Earth Sciences is Australia’s leading academic research institution for Earth sciences, home to the largest concentration of Earth scientists in Australia, and ranked 12th in the world for Earth and marine sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016).
Environment & sustainability
The ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society is one of the few places where economists and hydrologists, historians and ecologists, foresters, geographers, political scientists and climatologists work together on the environmental challenges and opportunities facing us.
Medicine
The ANU Medical School is dedicated to producing doctors equipped to meet tomorrow’s national and global health challenges.
Mathematics
The ANU Mathematical Sciences Institute is ranked number one in Australia for maths teaching and research (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016) and our staff include some of the best mathematicians in Australia.
Medical research
The ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australia’s national medical research institute, excels in multidisciplinary, translational medical research in fields including immunology, cancer, genomics, neuroscience, mental health, infectious diseases, obesity and metabolic disorders.
Population health
ANU is the only Australian university rated “well above world standard” for public health and health service research in all three of the Excellence in Research for Australia evaluations (2010, 2012 and 2015).
Physics
The ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering constitutes Australia’s largest university-based physics research activity, incorporating major national facilities, national networks, a significant technical manufacturing and prototyping capability, as well as an innovative teaching program.
Psychology
We conduct world-class research into behaviour, emotions, human factors, perception, the brain and the thinking mind that impacts on applications in areas such as wellbeing, the management of chronic illness, understanding and treating mental health, forensic psychology, ageing, social cohesion, human resources and organisational performance.
Science communication
The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU was the first science communication centre in Australia and is now the most diverse of its kind in the world.
