Research

Researcher in UVic's nanofabrication facility
SEM Lithography in the Nanofabrication Facility at UVic.

Physics and astronomy research at the University of Victoria covers a broad spectrum, ranging from the small-scale structure of matter to the large-scale astronomical and cosmological structure of the universe, and many regimes in between. We have active groups pursuing research programs in the following areas:

Meet our researchers

Faces of UVic Research is a series of "elevator pitch" style videos showcasing the passion and commitment of UVic researchers. It's a great way to discover what our faculty are researching, which can help you choose a supervisor or research partner who fits your interests.

Faces of UVic Research: Arif Babul
Dr. Arif Babul is a Professor with the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Victoria Faculty of Science. He is a specialist in theoretical cosmology, studying the origins of structure in the universe and the evolution of galaxies. He develops theories of how the universe evolved and tests them with computer simulations. In this video, he discusses his research methodology and how the study of the origins of the universe may lead to innovative technology in the future. Learn more at http://www.uvic.ca/research University of Victoria: http://www.uvic.ca/ University of Victoria's Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/UVic

See more videos from the Physics and Astronomy playlist on YouTube.

Our facilities and labs

We have a large CFI-funded computing facility comprising a large linux cluster (hundreds of CPUs) and a large storage facility (hundreds of terabytes).

An extensive particle physics lab was used to build components for the ATLAS detector at the LHC, and for current R&D work.

In 2010, a new 32-inch telescope was installed (the largest on-campus telescope in Canada).

There are also condensed matter labs for spintronics and nanoscale systems, and a new nanofabrication laboratory was recently commmissioned in 2009.

In addition, we benefit from nearby facilities at the TRIUMF laboratory, the HIA and the BC Cancer Agency.

UVic's research reputation shines on

Our researchers are national and international leaders in innovation. Using research strength as one measure, the Britain-based Times Higher Education has placed the University of Victoria on its elite list of world-class universities.

And, among Canada's comprehensive universities, we're Re$earch Infosource's top performer of the past decade in research income growth and research intensity growth. (Comprehensive universities are those that offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.)

Learn more about UVic Research.