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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.

Undergraduate research in Engineering Physics

Undergraduate Program

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

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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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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

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Our Aspirational Code of Conduct Our Aspirational Code of Conduct

KU Physics & Astronomy News

KU researchers Kushal Rijal (right) and Neno Fuller (left) performed the TR-TPPE measurement using a ultra-high vacuum photoemission spectroscopy system used in the resesarch.

Researchers show promising material for solar energy gets its curious boost from entropy

In a study appearing in Advanced Materials, researchers in the lab of Wai-Lun Chan, associate professor of physics & astronomy at KU, have discovered a microscopic mechanism partly explaining the outstanding performance of new carbon-based organic solar cells.
2024 MRS Spring Meeting

Physics and Astronomy Professor Organizes Symposium at Materials Research Society Spring Meeting

Dmitry Ovchinnikov, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, organized symposium QT02 “Low dimensional quantum materials” at the Materials Research Society Spring Meeting April 22 – 26, 2024. ...

KU skyline

KU Department of Physics & Astronomy professor receives prestigious NSF award for black hole research

A prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation will help Department of Physics & Astronomy researcher Elisabeth Mills continue her groundbreaking research on supermassive black holes.
Bronze Jayhawk sculpture with KU campus in background

Department of Physics & Astronomy professor receives NSF CAREER Award for work on zinc-ion batteries

University of Kansas researcher from the Department of Physics & Astronomy has been chosen for a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation for his innovative work with zinc-ion batteries, a sustainable alternative to the more widely used lithium-ion batteries that currently are in everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles.
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