Research

The University of Sydney conducts research across the broadest spectrum of disciplines of any Australian university. Our scholars work across 70 research centres and institutes, expanding human knowledge and responding to challenges that affect us all, such as wildlife conservation, global security, climate change and life-threatening diseases.

Recently the University has:

• Undertaken cutting edge research that has yielded the discovery of a new, super-strength light alloy. The findings made by our researchers have been documented in the prestigious “Nature Communications” journal, and will enable improved technologies in aerospace, construction and the automotive field.

• Enabled researchers to pursue innovative new solutions thanks to the £13.5 million (A$20.6 million) sale of a rarely seen Picasso masterpiece at Christie’s in London. The painting, Jeune fille endormie, was given to the University in 2010 by an anonymous donor on the strict understanding that it would be sold and the proceeds directed to scientific research. The money will be used, in part, to fund endowed chairs in the University’s major new centre for research into obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Through the new centre, we aim to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases by conducting world-class research and translating the knowledge developed into practical solutions.

• Been home to a ground breaking study by Professor Jurgen Gotz and Dr. Lars Ittner that identified the causes of Alzheimer’s disease at a cellular level. By understanding its basic mechanisms, our researchers hope to develop effective treatments for this debilitating, widespread disease.

• Received a generous gift of $5 million to fund cutting-edge scientific research in the field of nanoscience. The gift will endow a new academic chair in the School of Physics, named the John Hooke Chair of Nonosciences, which will enable the University to make major advances in this exciting new field.

• Furthered research for the development of bushfire resistant housing. Douglass Brown, a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, is developing a unique approach to home building that involves a non-flammable core, and easily replaceable parts. These houses will prevent victims from being homeless for long periods of time after a fire.

• Undertaken research incorporating wireless technology with an aim to better understand the challenges in the implementation of smart grids, while creating cost and energy efficient communication networks for the benefit of Australians. Sydney University Professor Branka Vucetic and research fellow Mr Wibowo Hardjawana are working in collaboration with AusGrid, who will use this technology to enable meters in residential homes to connect directly to substations across wireless networks. This research will result in energy saving by allowing real-time control of electricity consumption.

Read our latest research news