Our research

Our research

Exploring the physical and chemical foundations of life, the environment and the universe

Our world-first discoveries capture international attention in leading research journals. These breakthroughs are transforming lives today, while attracting significant research funding and opening new opportunities to broaden our global impact through collaboration.

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Physics

Supercomputing; environmental sensing; high-energy astrophysics and extreme astronomy; medical physics; nuclear and particle physics; optics, lasers and photonics; space and atmospheric physics; defence and security; quantum materials and technologies

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Chemistry

Renewable energy, inorganic and materials chemistry, synthetic methods, medicinal and biological chemistry; analytical and environmental chemistry.

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Earth Sciences

Mineral and energy systems; tectonics and solid earth processes; palaeoclimatology, palaeontology and palaeoenvironments

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Environmental Sciences

Environmental management and governance, marine and coastal systems, human-environment interactions, climate change impacts and adaptation strategies, sustainable development and nature-based solutions for resilient ecosystems and communities.

Solving societal challenges

We are harnessing our expertise to address some of the most pressing local and global challenges.   

These include: 

  • Exploring space and developing near space technologies 

  • Providing the critical minerals and resources for a clean energy future  

  • Developing sustainable chemical and energy technology including green hydrogen production, future fuels, and valorisation of chemical waste products 

  • New quantum technologies  

  • Making significant contributions to global scientific experiments like gravitational wave observation (LIGO) and the Large Hadron Collider

  • Developing sovereign defence capabilities on areas like Ultra-short pulsed laser technology and through our involvement in the ‘Defence Trailblazer’     

  • Investigating medicinal and biological chemistry including new treatments for diseases, new antibiotics, and bio-delivery applications for biologics and vaccines.

  • Advancing understanding of human–environment interactions to address complex environmental challenges and promote human wellbeing.

  • Developing holistic climate change monitoring and adaptation strategies across marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Engage with us

Industry and government rely on our highly-talented researchers to lead and contribute to critical scientific discovery projects, both locally and globally.

Contact us

School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Location

Location
College of Science 
Adelaide University 
Adelaide City Campus, Adelaide SA 5005

Telephone

Phone: +61 8 8313 5996

Email

Email: Dean.SPCES@adelaide.edu.au