Research projects at RMIT in physics, space and beyond!

Full text: The physics department at RMIT is home to five Australian Research Council (ARC) centres of excellence in the fields of biophotonics, quantum computing, electronics, exciton science and artificial intelligence. The RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis facility is a linked lab of the Australian Microscopy, and Microanalysis Facility. The School of Engineering hosts the MicroNano Research Facility and the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct with over 20 3D printers capable of both plastic and metal printing. Emerging, cross-disciplinary research projects are as follows; construction of a nanoparticle device to investigate magnetic nanoparticle formation in simulated microgravity; manufacture of 3D magnetic devices for racetrack memory; investigation and manufacture of thin, lightweight materials for the protection of humans from radiation in lunar orbit and design, construction and launch of a microgravity experiment into space to investigate scientific phenomena and implement complex systems engineering principles. Connections formed through teaching undergraduate physics and aerospace engineering students will lead to the formation of a research group skilled in implementing space projects and this will form the basis of the new 'Physics with Space Science' degree to be offered within the next three years at RMIT. The state-of-the-art infrastructure at RMIT in engineering and physics will allow these projects to be realised and will engage students and staff across a number of disciplines.