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Understanding the Universe Starts Here

The KU Department of Physics & Astronomy is a bridge to understanding the world, educating future physicists and astronomers, unearthing new scientific discoveries, and challenging the perception of the Universe. Through the commitment that faculty, students, and staff have to transformational education and interdisciplinary research, "Understanding the Universe Starts Here," at the KU Department of Physics & Astronomy.

KU Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Researchers

Support Undergraduate Research on One Day One KU

One Day, One KU is a university-wide fundraising initiative that will take place from 12:00pm February 20 – 12:00pm February 21. Last year, due to your generous donations, our department raised nearly $10,000 to support undergraduate research! We are hoping to match that number this year!

Give to the Physics and Astronomy Summer Research Undergraduate Fellowship
Undergraduate research in Engineering Physics

Undergraduate Program

Discover information about earning a degree in physics, astronomy, and more!

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A Large Hadron Collider at CERN

Graduate Program

Information about the Graduate Program - including degrees options, resources, and more!

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One of the department graduate students in a zoom call

Department Testimonials

A video from department faculty, students, and staff. See why they chose KU Physics & Astronomy!

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KU Physics and Astronomy Statistics

Top 50
RANKING IN US GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
6
NSF CAREER AWARDS AMONG ACTIVE FACULTY
5
NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS IN THE PAST 4 YEARS

Department Efforts

World-Class Research World-Class Research
Access & Engagement Access & Engagement
Community Outreach Community Outreach

Physics and Astronomy Department Events

KU Physics & Astronomy News

Undergraduate Students on the University of Kansas Campus

Physics and Astronomy Department REU Program Renewed for 3 Years

The Physics and Astronomy Department REU, a summer program supporting undergraduate research for 10 students from around the country each summer, was awarded a $460,000, 3-year renewal from the National Science Foundation.
Abishai Mathai, Undergraduate student in the Physics and Astronomy Department.

Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Chosen for Prestigious Summer Research Program

Abishai Mathai, an undergraduate in the Physics and Astronomy department, was accepted to the Global Quantum Leap International Research Training Experience Program at the National Institute for Materials Science in Japan for summer 2025.
Aerial perspective of Jayhawk Boulevard, Snow Hall in foreground.

KU senior receives Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence

A University of Kansas student who is researching the theory that active galactic nuclei (AGNs) can significantly influence galaxy morphology is the recipient of the summer/fall 2024 Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence through KU’s Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships.
Nebula

New idea may crack enigma of the Crab Nebula’s ‘zebra’ pattern

A theoretical astrophysicist from the University of Kansas may have solved a nearly two-decade-old mystery over the origins of an unusual "zebra" pattern seen in high-frequency radio pulses from the Crab Nebula.
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