The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) is a world-leading astronomical research institute located in Western Australia. ICRAR is a joint venture of Curtin University and The University of Western Australia, with nodes at both universities. The vision of ICRAR is to be the premier institution for radio astronomy in the Southern Hemisphere and to play a leading role on the international stage.
ICRAR has two state-of-the-art radio telescopes: the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). The MWA is located in outback Western Australia, where it observes low-frequency radio waves emitted by objects in our Universe billions of years ago. ASKAP, located near Geraldton, captures high-frequency radio waves that can reveal how galaxies form and evolve.
In addition to these cutting-edge facilities, ICRAR scientists also have access to some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers. This combination of world-class infrastructure and expert staff makes ICRAR an ideal place to conduct groundbreaking research into astrophysics and cosmology.
Recent discoveries from ICRAR include:
•The first detection of polarized light from a star other than our Sun
•The fastest ever spinning white dwarf star
•The discovery of ‘missing matter’ in our Universe
ICARR also offers PhD programs which provide students with an opportunity to work with experienced researchers on topics at the forefront of modern astrophysics and cosmology. ICRAR PhD graduates go on to careers in academia, industry and government agencies worldwide.