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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

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.
Photo of 170-ton detector being placed in Fermilab’s neutrino beam.

Experiment nixes ‘sterile’ neutrino explanation of previous unexpected measurements

Experimental particle physicists working at the MicroBooNE experiment at Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory have found evidence against the existence of a “sterile” type of neutrino hypothesized to be responsible for previous experiments’ anomalous results, as detailed in a paper recently published in Nature.
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New space/time newsletter

Read the latest newsletter: reunions, student profiles, alumni updates, a possible new observatory, and more
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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

Department Efforts

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Physics and Astronomy Department Events