Monash Physics and Astronomy

28/05/2026

Fantastic news! Congratulations to Stefan Maier

Big congratulations to Professor Stefan Maier from the School of Physics and Astronomy, who has been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, one of the country’s highest honours for scientific achievement.

Professor Maier is internationally recognised for research that manipulates light at the nanoscale (think tiny structures with huge possibilities), helping drive advances in next-generation communications, sensing technologies, sustainable energy and future computing.

He was one of just 26 scientists across Australia elected in 2026.

“This recognition reflects the outstanding students and junior researchers I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career,” Professor Maier said.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Read more: https://www.monash.edu/science/news-events/news/2026/monash-physicist-elected-fellow-of-the-australian-academy-of-science

15/05/2026

15/05/2026

How do you calibrate the most sensitive instruments ever built?
According to new research from the global LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA collaboration, sometimes you use colliding black holes.

Researchers from OzGrav - ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery including Monash University School of Physics and Astronomy PhD student Mallika Sinha, have helped demonstrate for the first time that gravitational waves themselves can be used to measure and correct detector calibration.

The study analysed two exceptionally strong black hole merger events, GW240925 and GW250207, showing how these cosmic collisions can help scientists verify the accuracy of the instruments used to detect them.

“It was simply bad luck that such a loud event was observed while LIGO Hanford was in an unsettled state,” said Mallika Sinha. “As our detectors become more sensitive and we observe more events, situations like this will only become more common. Without astrophysical calibration, we might not be able to reliably analyse these interesting events and miss out on some nifty science."

The breakthrough marks an important step forward for precision gravitational-wave astronomy and future measurements of the Universe itself.

The research was published in Physical Review Letters and involved the international LIGO, Virgo and KAGRA collaborations alongside OzGrav partners across Australia.

Read more 👉 https://www.monash.edu/science/news-events/news/2026/how-black-hole-mergers-are-helping-scientists-calibrate-the-universes-most-sensitive-instruments

13/04/2026

What if “messy” design was actually better?

Scientists at the Monash University have discovered that adding controlled disorder to ultra-thin optical devices can make them more powerful, not less.

Instead of arranging tiny light-controlling structures in perfect order, the team created a mosaic-like pattern. The result? Devices that can do multiple things at once without getting bigger.

“Disorder is usually something engineers try to eliminate,” said Dr Haoran Ren. “But we found it can actually enhance performance.”

Co-author Dr Chi Li explains it simply: “It’s like redesigning a city so more can fit into the same space, without things getting in each other’s way.”

The research, published in Nature Communications, could lead to smaller, smarter technologies for imaging, sensing and more.

Sometimes, breaking the rules is exactly what science needs.

Read more 👉 https://www.monash.edu/science/news-events/news/2026/scientists-turn-mess-into-breakthrough-chaotic-design-unlocks-next-generation-optical-devices

02/04/2026

A new study led by Monash University has found evidence of rare cosmic explosions so powerful they completely destroy stars, meaning no black hole is formed.

Working with global partners including OzGrav - ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery and the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, researchers used gravitational waves to uncover a “missing” range of black hole masses.

Led by Monash PhD candidate Hui Tong, featuring international collaborators including Maya Fishbach.

These findings help explain how the Universe’s most massive stars live and die, and reveal one of the most extreme explosions ever predicted.

Read more 👉 https://www.monash.edu/science/news-events/news/2026/new-study-finds-evidence-of-cosmic-explosions-with-missing-black-holes

02/04/2026

Ever wondered how your devices store data?

Monash researchers have now seen it happening, at the level of individual atoms. ⚛️

In a new study published in Nature Communications, the team used advanced electron microscopy to watch atoms move during the switching process that allows memory devices to store information.

What they discovered changes what we thought we knew.

Instead of a simple on/off switch, the process happens through hidden intermediate steps, and those steps can be controlled.

“We’ve been able to directly watch atoms move during the switching process that underpins how memory devices store information,” said Dr Kousuke Ooe.

“By revealing the pathways atoms take during switching, this work provides atomic-scale maps for engineering the next generation of memory devices,” said Professor Joanne Etheridge.

The result? Future devices that are smaller, faster and far more energy efficient.

From medical devices to public transport cards, this research could shape the next generation of everyday technology.

Read more 👉 https://www.monash.edu/science/news-events/news/2026/monash-scientists-capture-atoms-in-motion,-unlocking-next-generation-memory-technology

11/02/2026

30/10/2025

Congratulations to our winners at yesterday’s Faculty of Science Awards:

⭐️Jade Abidi (Particle Physics) and Ned Wheaton (QLIME) were on this year’s Dean’s Honours list for their majors.

⭐️The Experimental Particle Physics Group won the Research Team of the Year Award.

⭐️Prof Peter Skands won the Research Engagement and Impact Award.

29/10/2025

The School of Physics and Astronomy celebrated Diwali last week over morning tea, organised by Nandhini Nehru and Sadhana Sridhar. Attendees enjoyed a delicious spread of samosas and gulab jamun, while getting creative with rangoli led by Nandhini and henna drawn by Sadhana.

20/10/2025

It was wonderful to welcome our alumni back to Physics and Astronomy on 9 October for 'A Century of Quantum Discovery'.

Warm thanks to guest speaker Dr Russell Anderson, Head of Quantum Sensing at Q-CTRL, and to all who contributed to the presentations, lab tours and lively discussion.

Physics and Astronomy alumni are encouraged to follow us on LinkedIn to hear about future in-person and online events. We'd love to see you there!
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14086596/