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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.


A pair of disc galaxies in the late stages of a merger. Credit: NASA.

Astrophysics

We study exploding stars, growing galaxies and feeding black holes in an expanding Universe.

Flexible electronic component

NanoBioElectronics

Our group develops electronic materials, devices and physical models at the interface with biology and bioelectronic medicine.

Image showing a bundle of optical fibres lit at the end

Optical Fibres

World leading expertise in linear and nonlinear light propagation in optical fibres, based on our capability to design, fabricate and explore novel fibres.

Artist's impressino of molecules and scattered light. Image credit: Ventsislav Valev, Kylian Valev, Eva Valev, Robin

NanoBioPhotonics

We study light-matter interactions in bio-inspired nanomaterials to engineer photonic properties and develop tools for energy, dynamics and structural analysis.

Join us

Apply now for one of our academic positions.

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.


Our Research Centres

Our research centres build a lively research community across intra- and iter-disciplinary fileds.


Our Contribution to Other Research Centres

We are also involved in a number of cross-disciplinary research centres within the Faculty of Science.


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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.

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.


Students discussing project

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.

Centres of Doctoral Training

Find out about the Centres of Doctoral Training that the Department of Physics has been involved in.


Research Consortium

Find out more about research consortia in which we participate.


Major Grants

Find out more about some of our major research grants.


CResPace - Adaptive Bio-electronics for Chronic Cardiorespiratory Disease

CResPace

CResPace - Adaptive Bio-electronics for Chronic Cardiorespiratory Disease

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MetaMagIC

Magnetic Metasurfaces for sustainable Information and Communication technologies

MAESTRO - MAking pErovskiteS TRuly explOitable

MAESTRO

MAESTRO - MAking pErovskiteS TRuly explOitable

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.


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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.

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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™.

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ORCA Computing

ORCA Computing’s mission is to build photonic systems that demonstrate quantum advantage, developing quantum computers for real-world applications.

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VeriQloud

VeriQloud's mission is to unlock the power of quantum communication networks, by working on the applications, software and architectures.

The lightweight monitor can fit around the wrist

Transdermal Diagnostics

Transdermal Diagnostics is developing non-invasive glucose sensors, which measure glucose levels through the skin without a finger-prick blood test.

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Prothea Technologies

Prothea Technologies, a spin-out company from the Universities of Bath and Edinburgh, aims to enable lung cancer biopsy and treatment in a single visit.

Department of Physics

Find out more about our department including our courses and staff.