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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.

More about KU Physics and Astronomy

Undergraduate research in Engineering Physics

Undergraduate Program

Discover information about earning a degree in physics, astronomy, and more!
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Large Hadron Collider at CERN

Graduate Program

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

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

Check out our newsletters for all the latest department highlights.
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KU Physics & Astronomy News

DUNE Experiment

Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Awarded Research Fellowship

Undergraduate student Elias Works has been awarded a DOE-sponsored DUNE-TECH fellowship to work with Assistant Professor Maria Brunetti this spring and summer. Elias will be doing research on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) using machine learning approaches to study neutrino interactions in dense liquid argon detector environments.
NASA image of the Crab Nebula seen by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Study reveals cosmic tug-of-war behind the Crab Pulsar’s zebra stripes

An theoretical astrophysicist from the University of Kansas recently published work largely solving the mystery of the Crab Pulsar's zebra pattern. Now, Mikhail Medvedev has honed his analysis by incorporating gravity's lensing effects.
Lucciana Cáceres

Physics and Astronomy Student Wins National Research Fellowship

Lucciana Cáceres Holgado has been awarded the second annual Marian H. Rose Research Scholarship from the Society of Physics Students, an organization of the American Institute of Physics.
Graphic with photos of Xiaoqing Wu, Nicola Minafra, and Bren Backhaus from left to right.

KU recognizes researchers improving cancer treatments, developing advanced electronics and exploring galaxies

Xiaoqing Wu, Nicola Minafra and Bren Backhaus received the Steven F. Warren, Research Staff and Research Postdoctoral achievement awards, respectively.
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KU Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Researchers

Support Department Undergraduate Research!

Undergraduate and graduate student research forms the backbone of the exciting discoveries made at KU. Without student contributions, our research labs would not function. In an uncertain federal funding landscape, we need your help. Your contributions will ensure our students continue to make impressive breakthroughs in understanding the universe around us

Give to the Physics and Astronomy Summer Research Undergraduate Fellowship

KU Physics and Astronomy Statistics

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

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