Why Iowa?

Home of James Van Allen, the “Father of Space Science" and one of the Top Fifth Global Universities in Physics according to U.S. News and World Report.

Study here

Build a foundation

Expand your horizons

Learn from experts

See yourself here

Whether you're interested in space and plasma physics, astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter and optics, or nuclear and particle physics, Iowa will develop your analytical, computational, and experimental skills to advance scientific knowledge of the universe around us.

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Research

Whether you’re passionate about space physics, quantum mechanics, or the intersections of physics and engineering, you’ll collaborate with expert faculty and cutting-edge labs. You’ll have access to hands-on research experiences, from working on space missions to contributing to particle physics discoveries. These opportunities allow you to expand your knowledge while making tangible contributions to the scientific community.

Research at Iowa

Top Fifth

of Global Universities in Physics

U.S. News and World Report 2022

$ 26 m

In annual research expenditures

Averaged over FY18-22

Write your story

Build on the legacy of space pioneer Dr. James Van Allen by getting involved with our faculty’s cutting-edge space physics research with NASA and the NSF, even as an undergrad.

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students in reserach lab

24

Full-time Faculty
Physics and Astronomy reserach lab

Very High

Research 1: Doctoral Universities
Research Activity

Carnegie Classification

120 +

Undergraduate physics and astronomy majors

2023-24 data

Physics and Astronomy reserach lab

70 +

Graduate students

2023-24 data

student with faculty discussions

Explore physics at Iowa

James Van Allen

Engage in our rich history by learning about the "Father of Space Science"

Outreach and engagement

Outreach and public engagement are essential to sharing our research with the general public, by interacting and listening in order to generate mutual benefit.

Earn your Natural Sciences requirement

Learn more about how our programs can satisfy the General Education CLAS Core requirement in Natural Sciences.

News and announcements

Researchers trace solar outbursts that led to historic Mother’s Day geomagnetic storm on Earth

Thursday, August 13, 2026
In a new study, space physicists led by the University of Iowa report the most detailed account to date about a string of eruptions on the sun that produced geomagnetic storms on Mother’s Day.

Jaynes Receives Award to Support Advanced Radiation Belt Research and Space Weather Prediction

Thursday, August 13, 2026
Associate Professor Allison Jaynes has received a $50,000 award through Purdue University to support research investigating how key processes in Earth's radiation belts influence space weather and the acceleration of energetic particles. The project will advance scientific understanding of radiation belt dynamics and help improve predictive capabilities that are critical for protecting satellites and other space-based technologies.

University of Iowa Hosts QuarkNet Professional Development Program for Iowa Physics Teachers

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Copilot said: The University of Iowa hosted six Iowa high school physics teachers for its annual QuarkNet Professional Development Program, a two-day workshop that connected educators with university researchers through hands-on particle physics activities, data analysis, and STEM education training. Led by Michael Kistler and Dr. Chris Like, with mentorship from Professors Yasar Onel and Jane Nachtman, the program aims to strengthen physics education statewide by bringing cutting-edge scientific research into Iowa classrooms.
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Events

The Curious Case of Rapidly Rotating Stars - presented by Sadie Kobos; Graduate Student; Department of Physics and Astronomy promotional image

The Curious Case of Rapidly Rotating Stars - presented by Sadie Kobos; Graduate Student; Department of Physics and Astronomy

Friday, August 21, 2026 8:30pm to 9:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join us for the Astronomy Public Talk series, where we host short, accessible talks on a wide range of astronomy and physics-related topics—free and open to the public! This event will feature a presentation by UI Physics and Astronomy graduate student Sadie Kobos, who will discuss how recent discoveries have revealed that rapidly rotating stars do not behave as scientists once thought they should. As researchers begin to understand how these surprising findings are reshaping stellar...

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, August 21, 2026 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the summer sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

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