Astrophysics
We study exploding stars, growing galaxies and feeding black holes in an expanding Universe.
Department of Physics research
We have a thriving research programme, encompassing physics from the nanoscales to the most energetic processes in the Universe.
Our Research Groups
Our research covers a wide spectrum of activities, from fundamental physics to technological applications.
Nanoscience
We research how quantum mechanical and thermodynamic properties of molecules, nanostructures, multilayers and glassy materials can be modified.
Photonics
We carry out world-leading research in the science and technology of light.
Theoretical and computational physics
We study how components of complex systems interact with each other, and how this leads to unusual behaviour and novel applications.
Impact from our Research Excellence
96% of our submitted research activity was ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021). Learn more about how our research helps to shape a better future.
University spin-out, Ceryx Medical, secures £575k seed investment
Over half a million pounds of investment has been secured by Ceryx Medical as they develop the world’s first curative therapy for heart failure.
Bath scientists make seismic prospection safer for marine animals
Dr Philippe Blondel talks about partnering with Seiche to monitor seismic prospection, and using acoustic tomography to help protect marine life.
Bloodless revolution in diabetes monitoring
Scientists have created a non-invasive, adhesive patch, which promises the measurement of glucose levels through the skin without a finger-prick blood test.
Devices designed to test new Covid treatments are likely to be ready by August
Endoscopic devices built to test new coronavirus treatments will probably be ready by August, thanks to cutting-edge research at the University of Bath
New materials could help improve the performance of solar cells
New research involving Bath physicists could lead to the design of new materials to help improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Print your own laboratory-grade microscope for £15
For the first time, labs around the world can 3D print their own precision microscopes, thanks to an open-source design created at Bath.
Our Research Centres and Research Themes
Our research centres and themes build a lively research community across intra- and iter-disciplinary fileds.
Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials
World-leading research in the science and technology of light.
Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
We are an interdisciplinary research centre bridging science and engineering.
Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour
An interdisciplinary research centre for the modelling and analysis of complex interacting systems.
Healthcare and Biophysics theme
This theme builds on our strengths in photonic materials and semiconductor physics for diagnostics and bioelectronic medicine. We work closely with CTI.
Energy Materials theme
The energy materials theme encompasses solar cells, batteries and innovative methods for scavenging or converting energy and we work closely with CSCT.
Research stories
Find out more about the work that's happening in our research centres and facilities.
Scanning probe microscopy and nanoscale imaging
Scanning probe microscopes let us study surfaces at the nanoscale level. But how do they work and why do we need them? Physics researchers tell us more.
Stack and draw: how plain glass rods turn into the fibre optics of the future
From telecoms to healthcare, fibre optics are an essential tool in photonics research. But how are they made, and what exactly do they do?
Using fibre optics to tackle ICU infections
Dr James Stone and his research team are designing specialised optical fibres to help treat lung infections in some of the most vulnerable hospital patients.
Developing the supercomputers of tomorrow
Could light help power the next generation of supercomputers? Dr Peter Mosley and his optical fibre research team want to find out more.
Our Contribution to Other Research Centres
We are also involved in a number of cross-disciplinary research centres within the Faculty of Science.
Institute for Mathematical Innovation
The Institute for Mathematical Innovation delivers multi-disciplinary and mathematically grounded research for real-world, societal and industrial challenges.
Our Facilities
Explore our state-of-the-art facilities available for teaching, research and industry with expert support from University staff.
David Bullett Nanofabrication Facility
We provide access and training on specialist equipment for micro-scale and nano-scale fabrication for University of Bath researchers and external organisations.
Material and Chemical Characterisation Facility (MC²)
We combine cutting-edge analytical equipment with extensive in-house expertise to provide a comprehensive material and chemical characterisation service.
Fibre fabrication facility
Find out about how we use our optical fibre fabrication facility to make speciality optical fibre and how you can access the facility for your own work.
Doctoral Training
We offer projects over a broad spectrum of subject areas. Projects are available as part of Centres for Doctoral Training as well as on an individual basis.
EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Condensed Matter Physics
This CDT trains postgraduate researchers across a broad range of hard condensed matter physics.
EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training New and Sustainable Photovoltaics
This CDT trains postgraduate researchers across the sustainable energy and PV sectors.
Doctoral College
We support and enrich the experience of our doctoral researchers and play a key role in developing policy and strategy relevant to doctoral study.
Postgraduate research degrees in physics
Find out about our PhD programmes, funding opportunities and how you can apply.
Join us
Apply now for one of our academic positions.
Join Physics as an independent research fellow
Advice for postdoctoral researchers about how to apply for fellowships and join the Department of Physics.
Bath to lead €4M physics EU Innovative Training Network
The University will lead a network of 12 EU universities and companies to train new researchers in the area of optical frequency combs in microresonators.
Research Consortium
Find out more about research consortia in which we participate.
Major Grants
Find out more about some of our major research grants.
Our Spin Out and Start Up Companies
Find out more about our spin out and start up companies, that have resulted from commercialising our research.
Ceryx Medical
Ceryx Medical is developing bioelectronics to help control a range of autonomic or rhythmical body processes such as peristalsis, heart rate and even walking.
GLOphotonics SAS
GLOphotonics SAS is a French start-up set up to commercialise hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF) and their functionalised form Photonic Microcells™.
ORCA Computing
ORCA Computing’s mission is to build photonic systems that demonstrate quantum advantage, developing quantum computers for real-world applications.
VeriQloud
VeriQloud's mission is to unlock the power of quantum communication networks, by working on the applications, software and architectures.
Department of Physics
Find out more about our department including our courses and staff.