About

The ANU Research School of Physics 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.

Our research activity includes nonlinear and quantum optics and quantum systems engineering, soft and hard condensed matter physics, III-V semiconductor physics, nano-engineered and meso-scale materials, nuclear physics, novel imaging technologies and plasma science.

Our researchers have played important roles in some of the most significant breakthroughs in physics, including proving the existence of gravitational waves in 2016.

The observation of a gravitational wave, ripples in space caused by the collision of two black holes, confirms a prediction made by Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity 100 years ago, and opens up new fields in physics and astrophysics.

The important role that our researchers played included constructing, installing and commissioning crucial components of the detectors used by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in the United States.

Fundamental and applied research, just like this, also sparks the development of novel technologies and have seen a number of successful spin-out companies go global.

In 2009 Lithicon, then named Digitalcore, spun out of the Research School of Physics and Engineering. The big commercial step was taken after 10 years of fundamental research by ANU scientists. Their research combined novel scanning technology and advanced computer algorithms to produce high-resolution 3D images and simulations of fluids in oil reservoir rocks.

Fast forward to February 2014, and Lithicon was acquired for $US8 million by microscopic technology company FEI, cementing a very special research relationship with ANU.

Facilities

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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ANU Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility. Photo: James Coleman

The HIAF comprises one of the world’s largest 14UD pelletron accelerators and a superconducting “booster” linear accelerator (LINAC) housed and operated by ANU.

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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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News

When Manuraj Shunmugasundaram left India and moved to Australia, it was to study physics. He had his heart set on a career in astronomy, which is why he chose ANU, the best ranked university in Australia for astrophysics.

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Artist's impression of a system of detectors along quantum circuits to monitor light particles. Image: Kai Wang, ANU

ANU will play a key role in shaping Australia's next-generation technology.

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Marika Niihori outside on campus.

After being awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, ANU Physics student, Marika Niihori, is on her way to Cambridge with a vision to transform healthcare.

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Miniature technology SEM image.

New miniature devices could be developed into safe, high-resolution imaging technology to help doctors identify potentially deadly cancers and treat them early.

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Prof Nerilie Abram holds up a coral core in the lab.

Scientists across Australia will get the chance to show the nation how their work is for the public good, under a new partnership between ANU and the ABC.

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John Debs holds up and inspects a clear face shield in the ANU Makerspace.

ANU is coordinating the production of thousands of face shields and masks to ensure health workers have access to personal protective equipment (PPE).

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