Message from the Head of School
A message from Professor Harry Quiney
Message from the Head of School
The School of Physics is comprised of a distinguished community of outstanding scholars who explore the frontiers of knowledge of the natural world. We have experimental and theoretical programs in quantum physics that investigate its applications to new science and technologies.
Our particle physics programs are reaching beyond the Standard Model to shed light on the elusive and challenging questions that persist about the matter that makes up the universe. The origins and current state of that universe are being investigated by our colleagues in astronomy and astrophysics, supported by an in-house program in space science. Our physics programs intersect with many other disciplines, where we contribute to the development of medical accelerator technologies, biological and medical imaging, precision measurement, magnetic sensing and optical technologies.
We have trained generations of national and international leaders in these disciplines who have benefited society through their pursuit of knowledge, which they have shared throughout their communities. We are proud of the students and collaborators with whom we have shared our passion for physics.
If you have ever studied or worked with us, we hope that you consider your association with the School of Physics to be a lifelong relationship. Your curiosity and collaboration will always be welcome here. If you are considering joining us, we will be delighted to welcome you on our continuing journey, and to our international community.
Professor Harry Quiney
Head of the School of Physics
Research highlights
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Stawell underground lab clears crucial hurdle for dark matter hunt
Australia’s bid to detect elusive dark matter has taken a major step forward, with new research confirming that cosmic radiation levels deep inside the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) are low enough to support the world-class experiment that will commence later this year.
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A 690-million-kilometre journey through space ends for Australia’s SpIRIT mission
After more than 25 months of successful operations in space, the SpIRIT mission has ended, marking a major milestone for Australia’s growing space capability.
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‘Hidden Satellites’ discovered in X-rays radically changes how we measure and understand them
Hidden features uncovered in X-ray signals are set to overturn a key scientific theory and fundamentally change how X-rays are interpreted across fields of physics, chemistry, biology and materials science, new research reveals.
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Australian consortium to develop quantum biotechnology platform to transform Alzheimer's treatment discovery
A University of Melbourne industry collaboration has been awarded $2.1 million by the Australian Government to build a quantum-enabled platform to support faster discovery and development of therapies for neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Celebrating achievements
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University of Melbourne science leaders honoured as Royal Society of Victoria 2026 Fellows
The Royal Society of Victoria has announced its 2026 Fellows, including eight science leaders from the University of Melbourne.
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New Australian Academy of Science Fellows elected
Leading researchers in their field Professor Nicole Bell and Professor Jennifer Flegg have been elected as new Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), in recognition of their outstanding scientific achievements.
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