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Research

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a research led school, with our research informing our teaching.

Research Groups

Astronomy

Cold Atoms and Quantum Optics

Condensed Matter Theory

Experimental Condensed Matter & Nanoscience

Medical Physics

Particle Cosmology

Research Excellence Framework 2021

The School of Physics and Astronomy maintains a strong position in the upper quartile of the Physics Unit of Assessment, with an increase from REF2014 in the percentage of both ‘internationally excellent’ and ‘world-leading’ outputs, with more than a doubling of the percentage assessed as ‘world-leading’. The impact case studies submitted had an increase in those rated as ‘outstanding’ and the research environment also recognised being at least ‘internationally excellent’, with an increase to 75% ‘world-leading’ compared to REF2014.

News

We:

have discovered a new third class of magnetism that could transform digital devices

are part of mission team selected for NASA probe study

are searching for magnetic monopoles at the Large Hadron Collider

have developed a 3D printed vacuum system to trap dark walls

have been awarded £29.1 million to establish the UK’s most powerful Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner

Aims and Expertise

All members of academic staff are research active and we have a large portfolio of grants from a wide range of funding streams.
We have a vibrant community of more than 120 PhD students in the school and have an excellent record of obtaining fully funded studentships.
Our research has led to direct commercialisation, outreach, contributions to governmental and regulatory standards, long-term industrial partnerships, collaborations with medical practitioners, and links with national security agencies.
We have state-of-the-art facilities across our Physics buildings including the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre.
We aim to provide a solid basis to enable our postgraduates to excel in their subsequent careers.
We house a wide range of research equipment available to staff and students.

Post-graduate research

For all of our research degrees, the first step is to identify one or more supervisors you would like to work with.

To do this, look through the Research groups and our academic staff research interests. We strongly encourage contacting supervisors before making a formal application, to discuss potential research projects and to ensure the best application possible. More application information can be found here.

Join our future research leaders

World-class talent, working in multidisciplinary teams and with inspiring leaders, are at the heart of capturing new ideas and translating these into world-changing solutions.

As a research-led institution, the University of Nottingham recognises the value and contribution of early career researchers in delivering its ambitious, high-quality research vision. Visit our fellowship page for opportunities to join us.