Graduate research in astrophysics at Stanford
KIPAC members are involved in answering a wide range of exciting and fundamental questions in astrophysics and cosmology. Some of this information can be found in this summary of our current research and of research interests of KIPAC Senior Members. Feel free to contact any KIPAC member about these research opportunities. We note that graduate students in Stanford Physics are not admitted to a specific group or subfield, so there is no need to contact members of the faculty ahead of time.
The department pursues its research goals through every avenue -- from developing the theoretical framework with both analytical and numerical methods, to strengthening those frameworks through the design and construction of innovative instruments with the power to unlock the mysteries of the Universe, and through careful observations and data analysis of a wide range of topics with a broad range of wavelengths, from radio to gamma rays! As a new graduate student at KIPAC you can take full advantage of this diversity and wealth of knowledge, experience, and opportunities.
KIPAC and the Stanford Physics Department aim to provide graduate students with research experiences early in their career. Students have the option of doing a research rotation with a different faculty member each quarter in their first year of study. KIPAC graduate students are typically immersed in research projects straight away, allowing them to gain valuable breadth in knowledge and research practices.
KIPAC has extensive resources to support its graduate students, including computing resources, the opportunity to participate and run topical workshops, and a very active outreach program.
KIPAC has a strong commitment to an inclusive environment, where all members are valued and supported to do their best work. KIPAC has an equity and inclusion committee actively working on several topics of current interest, and several KIPAC people are also active members of the Physics Department Equity and Inclusion committee, which has developed a five-year strategic plan on Equity & Inclusion.
Applying to the program
Application to be a graduate student at KIPAC is done through the Stanford Physics Department. Information about the application process can be found here. Fee waivers are available for eligible students (please start your request at least 3 weeks before the application is due). Students are admitted to the Physics program as a whole, and are able to work with research advisors in any area of physics or astrophysics.
The department is interested in understanding and mitigating barriers to access to all of our programs, including barriers based on citizenship status, accessibility, or financial or logistical challenges. If you are interested in our graduate program but there are barriers that limit your ability to apply given our current procedures, we would appreciate hearing from you; we may be able to help. Please fill out this brief form. The Physics Department currently requires the GRE general and Physics subject test, but we emphasize that this plays a limited role in a holistic look at the applicants.
If you have already been admitted to the graduate program in Physics, please take a look our information for new KIPAC members and we look forward to welcoming you to KIPAC soon!
More about Graduate Students Benefits and Resources at Stanford.
The Stanford Physics, Identity and Equity (PIE) Program
The Stanford Physics, Identity, and Equity (PIE) program seeks to encourage and enable students who may face barriers while navigating the graduate school application process. The goal of this program is to support candidates from underrepresented groups in physics who have aspirations to apply to doctoral programs and become future leaders in the scientific community. This three-day program (10.06.2022-10.08.2022) will provide prospective applicants with information and guidance on the graduate experience, the PhD application process, and the various research interests at Stanford. Students will have the opportunity to interact directly with Stanford faculty, postdocs, and graduate students.