High Impact
Experimentation
24
Faculty members who research condensed matter, particle physics, biophysics, and astrophysics and cosmology
#1
UCSC Physics’ professional papers had the highest citation rate of any physics department in the country
2
International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) honors two UC Santa Cruz physicists with Frontiers of Science Award
Quantum to the Cosmos – Physics at UC Santa Cruz
Our department pushes the frontiers of knowledge across theory, experiment, and computation. From unraveling quantum mysteries to probing the structure of the universe, we prepare students to lead in science and beyond.
Welcome
We are a vibrant community of researchers, educators, and students exploring the fundamental laws of nature – from the smallest quantum particles to the largest structures in the universe. Whether you’re an aspiring physicist or a curious visitor, we invite you to discover the groundbreaking research, dynamic teaching, and collaborative spirit that define Physics at UC Santa Cruz.
Department Events
Explore our department calendar and check out the various events we have! Join us for our weekly Condensed Matter Seminar and Colloquium. Get the chance to hear from experts in the field from universities all over the world, including here at UC Santa Cruz!
Undergraduate
Programs
Graduate
Programs
Physics News
UC Santa Cruz scientists to develop diamond-based sensors to monitor fusion-energy generation
Diamonds can withstand the extreme radiation inside the reactor of a nuclear power plant
ARCS Foundation scholarships support 14 outstanding graduate students in science and engineering for 2025-26
The scholarships are awarded to students who show exceptional promise of making a significant contribution to the scientific and technological strength of the country.
Stefania Gori named a 2025 American Physical Society Fellow
Gori’s work helps bridge theory and experiment, deepening understanding of the Higgs boson, the nature of neutrino masses, and the possible particles that make up dark matter
Meet the faculty
The Physics Department is made up of twenty-four faculty members, who conduct research in the areas of condensed matter (theory and experiment), particle physics (theory and experiment), biophysics, and astrophysics and cosmology. We are home to some of the most creative faculty and unique research programs in the nation. As individuals, our faculty members have received numerous awards.
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Support Us
Throughout its history, the Physics Department at UC Santa Cruz has relied on the generosity of its alumni and friends. Never before has private support been so important. Your gift is an investment that will allow us to enrich and enhance our programs.