One of the principal objectives of the Science Foundation is to support the academic work of the School of Physics. This includes funding for improvements and upgrades to teaching equipment and venues, support for teaching and learning initiatives within the School and contributions towards salary costs for academic positions in key research areas.

In 2007, The Science Foundation provided $100,000 which is to be used for projects including the provision of a Remote Observing Room for Astronomy supporting research, teaching and Outreach. Webmaster assistance will be provisioned for the School's research and outreach pages. Upgrading the School's teleconferencing services is also scheduled to be delivered.

In 2003, $50,000 was provided and used to refurbish old practical experiments and create new ones in the undergraduate teaching laboratories. Students respond positively to well-presented and interesting practicals -- upgrading the equipment and laboratories is an important step in the strategy to attract able students and interest them in continuing to higher degrees.

For many years, the salaries of several members of academic and general staff in the School have been provided from Science Foundation funds. Two appointments in 2003 enabled the School to expand its research interests in new areas:   Dr Nigel Marks was appointed to a Lectureship in computational science; and Dr Serdar Kuyucak is now a Associate Professor in biological physics. The Foundation is providing half of the salaries for these positions for three years.