Earth & Marine Sciences

Earth & Marine Sciences

About

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, ranking #1 in Australia and 12th in the world for Earth and marine sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

We take a broad view in addressing the big challenges of Earth sciences, seeking to answer questions ranging from the origins of the Earth, to understanding climate change. We have a reputation for international leadership and innovation, focused on developing new methods, whether experimental, analytical or computational.

We are innovators: seeking to develop new experimental, analytical or computational methods, underpinned by in-house engineering and electronics workshops and our highly specialised technical staff.

Our cutting-edge research is led by our academic staff, and provides an unparalleled environment for high-quality research training of our graduate students. Our people and facilities are also the foundation for our vision to deliver world-class research-led undergraduate teaching in the Earth sciences.

Our facilities include the Sensitive High Resolution Ion Micropode (SHRIMP) that was developed at ANU to analyse geological materials.

Facilities

Antarctic remote GPS monitoring

The program monitors the post-glacial rebound which may be occurring near the Lambert Glacier, Antarctica since the Last Glacial Maximum.

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A person using an advanced microscope and control panel in a dimly lit laboratory.

The Centre for Advanced Microscopy (CAM) provides state-of-the art microscopy and microanalysis equipment to researchers, students and industry partners.

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Abstract image with vibrant, wavy lines in multiple colors, including red, blue, and yellow.

The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics laboratory is a purpose-built 400 sq. m laboratory for experimental fluid dynamics.

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Kioloa Campus

The 348-hectare ANU Kioloa Coastal Campus is one of Australia’s premier field stations, offering a diverse ecology which encourages research across all scientific disciplines.

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A group of people attentively watching a demonstration of 3D printers in a workshop setting.

The ANU MakerSpace is an initiative by the Research School of Physics and Engineering, where we know people learn by doing.  

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A row of large server cabinets decorated with colorful nebula imagery in a modern data center.

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s most highly-integrated supercomputer and filesystems, Australia’s highest performance research cloud, and one of the nation’s largest data catalogues—all supported by an expert team.

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A laptop, microphone, headphones, and audio mixer on a textured gray surface, suggesting a podcast or recording setup.

The CPAS Podcast Studio is open to staff and students throughout ANU (not just scientists!) to record and grow podcast series. Your success is our success: we want to help you make the biggest and best podcast series in the world.  

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Science precinct

Our new $240-million science precinct on the ANU campus has state-of-the-art biological and chemical research laboratories, as well as a teaching hub.

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A laboratory with various large scientific instruments and equipment, including one labeled "SHRIMP II."

The Sensitive High Resolution Ion MicroProbe (SHRIMP) is a mass spectrometer used for in-situ analysis of geological materials.

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Warramunga Station

The Warramunga Seismic and Infrasound Research Station near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory comprises a 24-element broad-band seismic array and an 8-element infrasound array.

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News

Woman in lab at computer

Victoria’s largest earthquake since record-keeping began roughly 200 years ago was caused by the rupture of a previously unknown faultline, according to new research.

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Man in lab

Data captured from seismic waves caused by earthquakes has shed new light on the deepest parts of Earth’s inner core, according to seismologists from ANU.

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Dolphin tail up in front of fisher in a bay

Dolphins and net-casting fishers in Brazil catch more fish by working together, a new study by an international team of researchers has shown.

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Man holds a small fish aquarium

As campus takes a break, we have a look at some of the science which never stops – and the people who keep it running, every day of the year.

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A man stand in front of a reflective building

Graduating with a Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced), Hangyu Meng came to ANU to pursue his curiosity about how the world works and to develop his research skills with the hope of continuing his studies with a PhD.

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A fossil in a grey rock

The contents of the last meal consumed by the earliest animals known to inhabit Earth more than 550 million years ago has unearthed new clues about the physiology of our earliest animal ancestors, according to scientists from ANU.

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