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Physics research

The physics team delivers diverse fundamental and applied research, working internationally, across disciplines, to create and embed new knowledge and ideas. In the latest research excellence framework, 98% of the research submitted to the B12 unit of assessment was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigor.

Working collaboratively with other disciplines is core to many research activities within physics at NTU with significant publications based on materials science, chemistry, engineering and medicine.

Over half of the research performed in the team is in partnership with international institutions and industry.

The team has secured research funding from diverse sources including the European Commission, EPSRC, AHRC, NERC, Innovate UK, Defence and Security Accelerator and direct from industry.

Many of our researchers work across different research groups and themes, lending their particular expertise to deliver high calibre research.

Research Areas

Space Weather at NTU investigates how the flow of material and radiation from the Sun affects the Earth which is an important research topic as our modern society relies more and more on satellite technology. We have previous experience in a wide range of terrestrial and space physics topics, such as solar physics, the effect of space weather upon GPS, radiation belt dynamics, and the solar wind interaction on other planets. It comprises staff who work with major international collaborations such as Venus Express, the EISCAT (European Incoherent Scatter) Scientific Association, PLASMON, and SMILE (Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer).

Contacts for staff in Space Weather: Dr Ian Whittaker.

Soft Matter, Organisation, Fluids and Transport

Soft Matter Physics

Soft Matter Physics describes the physics of materials which are easily deformable by applied stresses. A common theme is that systems possess particles that are too large for quantum effects to be important, but too small for gravity to dominate. Our interests include squidgy materials (colloids, surfactants and gels), liquid crystals (LCDs, flexoelectricity, nematic microcargo transport), liquid drops and flows (droplet evaporation, wetting and spreading, de-wetting, flow through disordered porous media), complex fluids and solids (pattern formation, drying, fracturing).

Imaging and Sensing

Acoustics and Vibrometry

Investigating a wide range of sound and vibration phenomena of importance in a variety of industrial applications from simulations to predict noise from vehicles to remote monitoring of honeybee hives.

Magnetic Resonance

Creating new methods for imaging and relaxometry including a platform technology of magnetic resonance sensors. These are applied to diverse industrially relevant settings from wastewater to food quality assurance.

ISAAC

Developing Imaging and sensing for archaeology, art history and conservation: Creation of novel non-invasive optical instruments and their applications to heritage science and beyond.

Medical Technologies

Advanced Optical Techniques

Liquid crystal and electrowetting based display devices. Optical interference techniques, fibre optic devices and multispectral cameras. Polarimetry and plasma measurements.

iSMART

Providing thin film deposition, electrospinning, nanospraying, extreme ultra-violet lamp and laser materials processing, surface engineering and material process technologies for collaborative research opportunities aligned to the needs of industry.

Related Projects

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 86% of NTU's research was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact. The overall quality of each Unit of Assessment NTU submitted also saw an improvement from REF 2014 to REF 2021.

Nottingham BBSRC Doctoral Training Programme

You can apply for the Nottingham BBSRC Doctoral Training Programme as a training partnership with University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC). Find out how to apply.