School of Science

We're home to groundbreaking research and a thriving community of world-leading academics and pioneering students.

Canberra UNSW students and lecturer in Chemistry lab

UNSW Canberra School of Science is changing the way people think about the world through fundamental science.

Science is central to many areas of modern life, from understanding the physical universe and how humans interact with it to providing a foundation for advancements in the scientific fields that are transforming our environment at an incredibly rapid pace.  

We're leading the field in tackling global, regional and local challenges of the 21st century. We examine human geography and our interaction with the natural environment and explore sustainable energy solutions to better manage precious natural resources.

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate research degrees across established and emerging scientific disciplines, aimed at developing future global leaders with innovative skills and shaping the future of science. 

Our mission is supported by high-impact research excellence in a vibrant and inclusive environment. Strengthened by cutting-edge facilities and two-way interaction with industry partners, government institutions and the global scientific community.

We’re driven by a commitment to deliver an effective blend of practical and theoretical study that will ultimately fast-track your career in STEM-related jobs.

  • Associate Professor Tim Trudgian
    Recipient of the Arc PGC Research Supervisor Award for 2022

Human factors & the technological interface

The human race is increasingly reliant on tech innovations as we adapt to global advancements, such as digital commuting and the call for smart, inclusive infrastructure. Advancements that mean our relationship with technology is also evolving, as are the ways in which we understand, predict and transform human action – both collectively and as individuals.

This new course, offered to postgraduate master's students, closely examines a set series of technological interface scenarios, with the aim of better understanding the role technology will play in reshaping human behaviour in the future. 

The UNSW Bushfire Research Group

Australia experienced almost as many firestorms during the 2019/2020 Black Summer season as it did in the previous 30 years. 

But how does a fire become a firestorm? UNSW Canberra bushfire researchers believe the key to avoiding a repeat of this devastating bushfire season lies in discovering the answer to this question.