From quantum science to galactic discoveries, our Department of Physics is at the forefront of breakthroughs in the field.

Prof Tom Lancaster has co-authored a must-have book for all budding physicists. General relativity lies at the heart of modern physics and represents the pinnacle of Albert Einstein’s celebrated work. Despite being mentioned as a motivation in huge numbers of applications to university physics courses, many future physicists leave university without having engaged with perhaps the most famous of all modern theories of physics!

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series highlights how our researchers are leading their field and transforming lives. Professor Simon Cornish works at the forefront of quantum physics, using cutting-edge techniques to explore the fundamental laws of nature.

Scientists from our top-rated Physics department have set a global milestone by achieving quantum entanglement of individual molecules using cutting-edge magic-wavelength optical tweezers.

Two Durham scientists whose work helps us to understand the Universe and our own planet are being recognised by one of the UK’s leading learned societies.

Ariadna Calcines Rosario received the ENDECAN Award for Scientific and Technological Talent in recognition of her professional career achievements in the design and development of image slicer technology for astronomy, her main research area at the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University.

An international team of physicists, led in the UK by our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy, has discovered over 40 previously unknown stars.

This year's review panel have been carefully evaluating all the applications and are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024/2025 Developing Talent Awards.

Professor of Astrophysics and esteemed former Durham colleague, Professor Richard Ellis CBE FRS has recently been elected as an international member of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in recognition of his “distinguished and continuing achievements in original research”.

We have been ranked third in the UK for interdisciplinary science research.

We’ve launched a new £5m research centre to support North East England’s growing space industry and lead on the sustainable exploration of the cosmos.

Four Durham Physics researchers have been named on a prestigious list for their world-leading research. Professors Carlos Frenk, Adrian Jenkins, Tom Theuns and the late Richard Bower from our Institute for Computational Cosmology have all been recognised in Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list for 2024.