Our projects
Macquarie University’s Research Centre for Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Astrophotonics brings together researchers and students to answer some of the big questions in Astrophysics. The centre has received the highest ranking in the latest Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia.
Our academic staff, researchers and students are active across diverse specialties in the astronomical field including:
Observational astronomy and galactic evolution
Wide-field astronomical surveys and optical/IR studies of the universe that help us understand how galaxies are born and develop over cosmic time, including studies of galactic structure and evolution. We enjoy close links with the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) that operates the 4m AAT at Siding Spring Observatory and CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science (CASS), which operates several radio telescopes across Australia.
Faculty: Richard de Grijs, Joanne Dawson, Richard McDermid, Matt Owers, Lee Spitler, Mark Wardle, and Dan Zucker
Observational astronomy and stellar evolution
Origin of the elements, evolution of stellar populations and clusters, evolved binary stars.
Faculty: Richard de Grijs, Orsola De Marco, Dan Zucker and Devika Kamath.
Radio astronomy and the interstellar medium
Radio astronomical surveys and theoretical modelling of the interstellar medium (ISM). Our work includes understanding how the ISM in our Milky Way evolves from diffuse, atomic gas to dense, star-forming molecular clouds; mapping Galactic magnetism with interstellar masers; and seeking the elusive "dark" molecular ISM.
Faculty: Joanne Dawson, Mark Wardle
Theoretical astrophysics, star and planet formation and the Galactic centre
Theoretical research into the processes driving planet and star formation. Magnetic properties of the interstellar media and the Galactic centre.
Faculty: Mark Wardle.
Computational astrophysics and binary interactions
Computational models of single and binary stars using 1D implicit and 3D hydrodymamic codes.
Faculty: Orsola De Marco, Mark Wardle
Astrophotonics and instrumentation
Using cutting-edge technology to build the next generation of instruments and telescopes to help us explore the galaxies. Our fields of work include: optical interferometry, diffraction-limited high-contrast imaging, integrated photonic and single-mode spectrographs, Fibre Bragg gratings, astronomical applications of direct laser write waveguides and smart focal plane technologies.
Faculty: Christian Schwab, David Coutts
For detailed information on specific projects see our PhD Project List.