Foundational sciences

We apply mathematics and statistics to better understand real-world phenomena including environmental and biological fluid dynamics, chemical engineering and materials processing. We provide a scientific approach to decision making that involves formulating mathematical models of problems, and developing mathematical tools to obtain solutions.

Our researchers have a wide range of expertise spanning astrophysics, optical physics, micro-optics, cultural and Indigenous astronomy. We investigate the life and death of stars, birth and evolution of the universe, collider physics, and more, to better understand the physical universe.

We investigate functional materials, chemical biology, sustainability and the environment with cutting-edge knowledge and technology. Our researchers are dedicated to advancing understanding of chemistry to address key societal challenges in energy, environment and health.

Complex systems are intricate networks of interacting components that give rise to emergent behaviours not predictable from the properties of individual parts – more colloquially, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. They are characterised by several key features, such as nonlinearity, emergence, adaptation and self-organisation. The study of complex systems pervades much of the research carried out within the Faculty of Science.

We study and test the application of physical theories and hypotheses. From the search for dark matter and the interaction of light to nanosatellite technology and quantum science, our researchers harness new knowledge to gather data of the physical world.

Mathematical physics applies and develops new mathematics for the understanding of physical phenomena and the rigorous formulation of physical theories, employing almost the whole range of pure and applied mathematics, as well as theoretical physics.

Our researchers investigate the structural and intermolecular behaviour of ions, quantum chemistry, condensed matter, and mathematics associated with models of the physical world. We use nanoscience to discover new materials to improve renewable energy solutions and develop high-performance organic and perovskite solar cells.

Statistics is the science of modelling and calibrating uncertainty in data. Our researchers develop tools that cut across probability and stochastic modelling and can be applied in areas from biological processes to financial markets.

Pure mathematics is focused on the theoretical frameworks underlying other mathematical disciplines and adjacent fields such as physics, computer science, engineering and economics. Our research teams have expertise across a broad range of disciplines including algebra, number theory, analysis, geometry and topology and discrete mathematics.

We explore the fundamental nature of the universe through astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and quantum and particle physics. From understanding the early origins of the universe to new and emerging research in quantum computing, our experts develop and evolve theories that underpin discoveries, ideas, and innovation.