College of Science

College of Science

Welcome to the College of Science

We are a hub of scientific discoveries, impactful research and exceptional student experience. 

From atoms to galaxies, data to discovery, and minerals to microbes, our College expands knowledge and applies it to the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether improving health, developing new technologies or creating sustainable solutions, our teaching and research deliver positive societal impact. Our graduates are the scientific leaders of tomorrow. 

Our academics and researchers are world-renowned for their scientific discoveries in fields such as drought tolerance, particle physics, DNA technologies and plant breeding to name a few. We use this expertise to shape the curriculum and give our students a contemporary experience in their chosen scientific discipline.

Our College brings together five globally recognised, purpose-driven schools: the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, the School of Mathematical Sciences, the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. Our work spans five campuses: City Campus East, Waite, Roseworthy, Mawson Lakes and Mount Gambier.

We combine theory with practical learning in modern laboratories, world class teaching spaces and specialised scientific facilities including a working farm and winery, a veterinary teaching hospital, field stations and a planetarium.

We have close research partnerships with industry, government and community, and use these partnerships to inform our teaching. Our students can undertake international study tours, semester exchange, enriching internship experiences and have seamless entry into further study.

Study with us

Learn from world renowned scientists who pair scientific theory with hands-on learning in their teaching.

Study with us

Research for industry, focused for purpose

Our researchers collaborate internationally with the scientific community, and partner with industry, government and the broader community to deliver real-world impact.

Discover our research

Discover the college

We train the scientific leaders of tomorrow. We prepare the next generation of scientists to discover new knowledge, solve complex problems, and partner with industry to accelerate innovation and broaden impact.

Our students learn from world renowned scientists that are at the forefront of discovery, with a ringside seat to new breakthroughs.

Our academics pair scientific concepts with hands-on learning in their teaching. Our students get practical experience in the lab and the field, opportunities for industry placements and access to international study tours. These rich experiences build the skills, networks and confidence students need to launch into a successful career in science.

We span the full breadth of science with study options in: 

Animal and Veterinary Sciences

South Australia’s only veterinary school, with clinical training at Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital and programs in animal behaviour, animal science, veterinary technology and veterinary medicine.

Learn more

Agriculture, Food and Wine

Based at Waite, Australia’s leading agricultural precinct and largest teaching winery, with programs in agricultural science, food science and technology, and viticulture and oenology.

Learn more

Molecular Bioscience

Exploring the way the living world works, with programs in biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, and microbiology and immunology.

Learn more

Chemistry

Investigating molecular systems in health, energy, critical technologies and the environment, with options across analytical, medicinal and biological, nuclear, and applied chemistry.

Learn more

Earth Sciences

Covering geology, geophysics and palaeontology, with field-based learning in natural laboratories like the Flinders Ranges and strong industry connections.

Learn more

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Focused on biodiversity, conservation, evolution and marine science, linking discovery to applied solutions for ecosystems and species.

Learn more

Environmental Science

Integrating biology, ecology, chemistry and earth sciences, with practical fieldwork and placements addressing sustainability challenges.

Learn more

Physics

Spanning space, quantum, nuclear, computational and theoretical physics, with researchers involved in Nobel Prize-winning research such as the discovery of gravitational waves.

Learn more

Mathematical Sciences

Focused on pure and applied mathematics, statistics and data science, equipping graduates with skills to thrive in a data-driven world.

Learn more

The College of Science delivers world class research with impactful outcomes, discovers new knowledge, and provides solutions that sustainably support our world and its inhabitants, and creates lasting societal benefit. 

Students learn from our renowned scientists, and have the chance to work in the laboratory or field with our research teams and take part in published research projects. Partnerships with industry and government ensure our research is relevant, while co-located institutes and industry across our campuses create unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Our Schools bring specialist strengths to our research:

School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Covering chemistry, physics, geology, geophysics, environmental and space sciences, with internationally acclaimed research in particle physics, materials chemistry and georesources.

School of Mathematical Sciences

Focused on mathematics, statistics and data science, with expertise in pure and applied mathematics, data analysis, AI and machine learning, and modelling complex systems

School of Biological Sciences

Exploring life from molecules to ecosystems, with strengths in molecular and biomedical science, ecology and environmental biology, and evolution and marine and wildlife conservation.

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Advancing animal health and welfare through sustainable production, applied behaviour and welfare, translational clinical sciences and a One Health approach to wildlife conservation, health and disease.

School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Delivering applied outcomes in plant, agricultural, food, wine and natural resource sciences that are adopted by scientific and agricultural communities in Australia and worldwide.

Our research centres bring focused expertise:

  • Environment Institute: Advancing solutions for climate, biodiversity and sustainability.
  • Acid Sulphate Soils Centre: Leading research to manage and restore impacted soils and waterways.
  • Adelaide Data Science Centre: Harnessing data, AI and analytics to drive discovery and decision-making.
  • Australian Critical Minerals Research Centre: Securing resources vital for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
  • Centre for Quantum Materials and Technology: Pioneering quantum materials for next-generation technologies.
  • Centre for Radiation Research and Education: Advancing safety, applications and education in radiation sciences.
  • Centre for Subatomic Structure of Matter: Exploring fundamental theoretical nuclear and particle physics.
  • Centre of Light for Life: Developing light-based technologies to transform health and biology.
  • Davies Livestock Research Centre: Driving innovation in animal production, welfare and sustainability.
  • Fertiliser Technology Research Centre: Creating advanced fertiliser solutions for global food security.
  • Research Centre in Infectious Diseases: Tackling emerging and persistent infectious disease threats.
  • Sprigg Geobiology Centre: Exploring Earth’s history and life through geology and biology.

Graduate Researcher opportunities

Start your career in Research and Development with one of four PhD and Masters-level research degrees.

HDR opportunities
Discover research across Adelaide University

We work with organisations of all sizes to deliver outcomes in agriculture, health, sustainability, defence, technology and more. Partnerships include internships, student projects, research collaborations, consultancy and professional training. Our partners have access to the full suite of the university's advanced scientific instrumentation, as well as direct links to our scientific know-how. 

Work with our students 

Industry partners can engage with our students by hosting placements, providing internships and research projects, co-supervising graduate researchers in an industry-based project, providing guest lectures and engaging in graduate recruitment. These experiences give students the chance to apply their skills while helping partners identify future talent.  

Leverage our expertise 

Collaborative research projects, consultancy and professional training provide opportunities to co-create knowledge, develop new technologies and deliver solutions with commercial, environmental and social impact.

Partner with our Schools

Our Schools work closely with industry, government and community, offering tailored opportunities for collaboration in specific discipline areas.

School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Work with internationally recognised researchers exploring knowledge from the sub-atomic to the extra-terrestrial. Partnerships span consultancy, contract research, Australian Research Council Training Centre and Cooperative Research Centre collaborations, with projects in defence, energy, quantum technology, green hydrogen and mineral resources.

Partner with us

School of Mathematical Sciences

Connect with experts in mathematics, statistics and data science to solve real-world problems. Opportunities include internships, postgraduate research collaborations, consultancy and joint projects in modelling, optimisation, artificial intelligence and analytics.

Partner with us

School of Biological Sciences

Collaborate with researchers advancing biomedical science, ecology, evolutionary biology, marine and wildlife conservation and biotechnology. Partnerships include applied projects with start-up companies, environmental managers, government agencies and institutes such as the Environment Institute and the Goyder Institute for Water Research.

Partner with us

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Partner with South Australia’s only veterinary school through clinical services, specialist pathology labs, research collaborations and graduate employment pathways. Opportunities include student placements, internships and industry scholarships.

Partner with us

School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Engage with Australia’s leading agricultural precinct at Waite, home to >70% of Australia’s wine research. Partnership opportunities include internships, collaborative research, industry events, and sponsorship of student prizes or scholarships.

Partner with us

College of Science

Professor Nikki Stanford

Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Science

Jeremy Sloan

Executive Director, College of Science

Professor Tom Raimondo

Dean Academic, College of Science

Associate Professor Matthew Sykes 

Dean International and Engagement, College of Science

Professor Tara Pukala

Dean Research, College of Science

Professor Michelle McArthur

Dean Students, College of Science

Our schools

Professor Jason Able

Dean, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Professor Rob Woodgate

Dean, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Professor Bronwyn Gillanders

Dean, School of Biological Sciences

Professor Finnur Larusson

Dean, School of Mathematical Sciences

Professor Christopher Sumby

Dean, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Centre (AMRDC)

The AMRDC are a team of experienced academics and professional staff with backgrounds in engineering, farming practices and agricultural industries. AMRDC carries out wide-ranging collaborative research in laboratory and field contexts as well as state of the art modelling in the software simulation space. First principles underpin practical machinery solutions integrated into farming systems and aimed at fulfilling the engineering requirements of the agricultural industry.

Adelaide Analytical

The Adelaide Analytical laboratory provides Australian researchers with vital infrastructure and expertise to remain at the forefront of international agricultural, food and wine research. They use complex analytical tools to address key fundamental and applied scientific questions. Adelaide Analytical includes a full suite of state-of-the-art instrumentation for qualitative and quantitative analyses of non- volatile and volatile compounds in a wide range of matrices.   

Food Values Research Group

The Food Values Research Group undertakes interdisciplinary research into how people make everyday food, drink and agricultural decisions. Their work draws on qualitative methods to explore the values shaping consumption and production, such as motivations of farmers, ethical implications of gene editing in agriculture, and social meanings embedded in food systems. By making visible the human and cultural dimensions of food chains, they contribute to informed public policy, ethical agricultural innovation and sustainable food practice.

Forestry Centre of Excellence

The Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier, South Australia, is a collaborative effort by Adelaide University, government, and industry partners. Their mission is to deliver global leading research, development, and education. The Centre enhances the competitiveness, diversification, and prosperity of the Green Triangle regional economy, building resilience in the wider Australian forest industry.

Urrbrae House Historic Precinct

The Urrbrae House Historic Precinct is situated on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People in Adelaide. In 1914, Peter Waite bequeathed the estate, including his family home, to the University of Adelaide. Today, it is part of the Waite Campus and operates as an accredited museum, promoting the history of the campus and fostering community engagement.

Waite Winery

The Waite Winery continues a tradition of teaching winemaking that began over 88 years ago at Roseworthy College, the longest-running Viticulture and Oenology degree in the Southern Hemisphere. Positioned at the Waite Campus, it produces wines from the campus's vineyards and premium South Australian regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Wines and spirits are available for purchase through their website. 

Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital

The Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital is Adelaide University's teaching hospital, providing 24/7 emergency care, routine healthcare, and referral services. It treats a comprehensive range of animals, including companion pets, equine, and production farm animals. The hospital is dedicated to training Australia's future veterinarians and animal scientists through excellence in education, training, and research.

Advanced-DNA, Identification and Forensic Facility

This facility examines degraded human remains, plant and animal material through to environmental samples. Their techniques help to answer key questions related to crime scene investigation, missing persons, illegal trade, biosecurity and conservation management. ADIFF is a member of the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators neTwork (AELERT).

Mycology Online

Mycology Online provides essential information on the identification and management of human and animal fungal infections. Since 1998, we have offered a range of educational resources, including fungal pathogen descriptions, a mould identification self-assessment, and antifungal susceptibility data, serving as a vital resource for clinical, scientific and educational purposes.

Mathematics Clinic

The Mathematics Clinic is a unique program where mathematics, statistics, and IT students collaborate with businesses on real-world logistical projects. This provides a cost-effective solution for industry challenges like financial modelling or data analytics. Students gain hands-on experience and businesses receive fresh insights and an opportunity to scout future talent.

Adelaide Spectroscopy

Adelaide Spectroscopy provides Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and spectrophotometer research equipment for researchers in the College and Science and associated external parties. Located in the Badger building on the North Terrace campus, it offers a range of services, including hands-on training, utilising instruments like Bruker NMR systems and Agilent LCMS units.

Bragg Crystallography Facility

The Bragg Crystallography Facility provides capabilities and expertise to determine the 3D atomic structure of molecules. The Facility offers single-crystal X-ray structure determination for chemical compounds and biomolecules, providing vital information for chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical research. Other facilities on campus support protein crystal growth and the facility also offers Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) for materials characterisation and analysis.

Centre for Australian Forensic Soils Science (CAFSS)

CAFSS was established in 2003 following its critical role in providing earth material evidence in a quarry that linked a suspect to an Adelaide double homicide. Since then, CAFSS has conducted over 250 forensic investigations for law enforcement, focusing on the search, location, and recovery of earth material samples in high-end criminalistic cases, including counter-terrorism and homicide. They research earth materials across landscape, crime scene, and microscopic scales.

Mawson Analytical Spectrometry Services

Encompassing radiometric and stable isotopes analyses in conjunction with classical diffraction and chromatographic characterisation techniques, MASS has the capacity to deliver high quality data at a competitive cost with the value-added evaluation and interpretation of results by subject matter experts.

Silica Fibre Fabrication Facility

The Silica Fibre Fabrication Facility is a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art facility for speciality silica fibre research. It includes the North Terrace Silica Preform Facility for preform production, and the Thebarton Silica Fibre Drawing Facility with a 6-meter tower. The Facility supports research in new lasers, telecommunications, sensing, and medical treatments.

Soft-Glass-And Fibre Fabrication Facility

The Soft Glass and Fibre Fabrication Facility at the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing is part of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) OptoFab Node. It offers state-of-the-art equipment and expertise for manufacturing soft glasses (including fluoride, tellurite, and germanate) and drawing them into optical fibres. Capabilities include controlled batching, melting, casting, preform extrusion, and drawing to create core-clad and unique microstructured fibres.

Contact us

College of Science

Executive office

Location

Location
Adelaide City Campus East
North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

Email

Email: PVC.SCI@adelaide.edu.au