For dissenting earlier scientists' assertions that the expanding universe has been slowing down, Australian National University Professor Brian Schmidt won the 2011 Nobel Physics prize.

Named by Nobel as Schmidt's co-winner is Professor Adam Reiss, who teamed up with the Aussie lecturer in their latest supernova findings that now suggest the universe we live in will not grind to a halt will actually expand further at a rate unimagined before.

"We found that the universe was speeding up, and that was completely unexpected and gravity was not working as we had expected," Schmidt was reported by ABC on Thursday as saying.

That conclusion, Schmidt stressed, was based on their careful observation of supernovas, dying stars that emit far-reaching lights, which he said enabled them to gauge the 'velocity' of the growing and expanding universe, a surprising discovery that contradicted previously established scientific findings.

Already a notable figure in the ANU campus, Schmidt proved endearing too to students who had the chance to attend his lectures.

One student praised the science professor for his unique approach in sharing his deep knowledge on a rather intrinsic topic, which Schmidt "brings down to a level where all of us can really understand, and he gets really involved in everything he's teaching us."

Those who know him, teachers and students alike, collectively believe that Schmidt deserves the honor and attention, with another student telling ABC "it was the most insane thing ... and there was media everywhere."

On his part, Schmidt appears unmindful of the award and instead insisted that "it's more of something for Australia and Astronomy, the whole team and what the field of Astronomy has accomplished over the last one hundred years."

He told ABC that the Nobel recognition will not change anything about him as he gave credit where it is due, to ANU that Schmidt recalled gave him the break at young age of 27 by providing "me an environment and the support to run an international team."

Schmidt also revealed that he still has no clue on the Nobel procedures of accepting the award he won with Reiss yet for the meantime, he'll just focus on what he does best - teach and "do astronomy while he figured out what else to do."