Research themes

Being an expanding Department of Physics, we have implemented a structure of flexible/mobile interacting research groups.

We continue to develop our experimental labs and facilities and carefully recruit new staff with expertise complementary to our strategic research directions. This development directly supports the delivery of University strategies - namely, ‘Investing in our staff’, ‘Growing capacity and influence’ and ‘Raising standards and aspirations’.

Our researchers collaborate in the following main fields: quantum and nano-engineering, high-frequency solid state physics, novel functional materials, and physics of complex systems.

Building on our traditional strength in fundamental physics, we are addressing the UK Grand Challenges summarised in the HM Government Industrial Strategy. Our most significant contributions impact the areas “AI & Data Economy” and “Clean growth” through our research and innovations in 2D and van der Waals materials, novel devices for energy harvesting, spintronics, high-frequency electronics, novel computing and artificial intelligence.

Quantum and Complexity Physics

Physics has the tools for investigating extremely complex systems, finding their most general properties and making detailed predictions about their behaviour.

Medical and Biological Physics

Applying physics expertise to answer the big questions about life and improve medical technology

Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

Condensed matter and materials physics is the branch of physics that studies the properties of the large collections of atoms that compose both natural and synthetic materials.

Emergent Photonics

The Emergent Photonics Research Centre focuses on activities in two major directions - integrated nonlinear photonic systems and their application in quantum technologies, and innovative Terahertz science.