Research
Physics addresses the most fundamental questions of existence, from the very nature of matter to the origin of the Universe, and from the cosmological to the sub-nuclear. For example, our researchers are using data from JWST to study the atmospheres of exoplanets.
Physics is also pivotal to shaping the technologies of the future and our research spans a wide range of disciplines and is organised around six main themes.
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Astrophysics
Our Astrophysics theme specializes in cosmology, the formation of clusters and galaxies, active galaxies, high-energy astrophysical processes and the formation of extrasolar planets.
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Materials & Devices
Our Materials & Devices theme works to understand and control structures on a length scale from the Angstrom to the micron to affect the physical behaviour of materials, create new materials and to develop new techniques to probe the structure of materials.
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Particle Physics
Our Particle Physics Group theme to understand the fundamental building blocks of matter and how they interact with each other and is currently involved in two experiments based at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
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Quantum Engineering Technologies
Our Quantum Engineering Technologies theme is exploring fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics and working towards future photonic quantum technologies by generating, manipulating and measuring single photons and the quantum systems that emit them.
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Quantum & Soft Matter
Our Quantum & Soft Matter theme are working to understand new phenomena of quantum and classical matter, studying soft materials like liquid crystals and colloids as well as solid matter ranging from superconductors to insulators.
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Theoretical Physics
Our Theoretical Physics theme work on a broad range of problems, from understanding the unique peculiarities of quantum mechanics to explaining the statistical structure of complex liquids, all of which underpins wider research in the School.
Want to join us
If you would like to join us as a member of our academic or research staff please see the university's job page, where all our opportunities are listed.
Postgraduate opportunities
Looking to pursue a career in research? Find out about our postgraduate programmes, PhDs opportunities and funding options.
Physics Education Group
Interested in Physics Pedagogic Research? The Physics Education Group engages in research to inform the teaching of Physics at Bristol and beyond.