Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» of Queensland has strengthened ties with the Danish research institute that laid the foundations of modern physics.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» and the at the have established the Virtual Institute for Physics to promote education and applied fundamental research to further our understanding of the universe.
Founded by , who won the Nobel Prize in 1922 for his pioneering model of the atom, the Institute has produced at least four Nobel laureates.
The has named it a Historic Site for its contribution to physics and research.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» astrophysicist said the new institute would build on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s longstanding links with the University of Copenhagen and would further enable cross-pollination of ideas.
“The Virtual Institute for Physics builds on strong collaborations between Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» and the Niels Bohr Institute, which are both at the forefront of fundamental physics research,” said Professor Davis (left).
“I’ve benefitted enormously already from my existing links with the University of Copenhagen, which, among other things, led to our discovery that supermassive black holes can be used to measure the acceleration of the universe.”
“This was listed among ’s top 10 breakthroughs of the year for 2011 and demonstrates how physics is becoming an ever-more collaborative discipline in an increasingly interlinked world.”
Professor Davis said the new institute would provide access to an expanded array of experiments and be a gateway to global opportunities for Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» students.
“It will give students important exposure to the international research environment, and the opportunity to experience the diversity of research approaches beyond our shores,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing the exciting discoveries that will come out of this initiative.”
Physical Sciences at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» was rated at the highest level – “well above world standard” – in the exercise.
Media: Professor Tamara Davis, t.davis1@uq.edu.au, +61 7 336 53433, 0432 526 989; Dr Jessica Gallagher, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Global Engagement, j.gallagher@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 7869.
