Research

One vision

Combining the knowledge and resources of all six SEPnet universities to maximise their potential, it’s no surprise that our research initiatives are enjoying success in initiating collaboration, running workshops, strengthening interdisciplinary research links and gaining PhD studentships. Our primary research themes are incredibly diverse, and vary according to topic, construction and philosophy; they are listed first, while links to the even greater range of research in individual university groups are given below that.

Primary research themes

  • Atomic & Condensed Matter – a successful collaboration between departments on the nature of matter and materials covering Metrology; Materials; Superconductivity; Photonics; Cold atoms and ions; Ion-trapping; Nano-technology and Materials; and Solid State Physics.
  • Particle Physics – LHC Experiments – Higgs & Supersymmetry; Accelerator Physics; Phenomenology; Lattice QCD. The NExT Institute nurtures a strong collective programme of research and training.
  • Astrophysics – spanning the Universe from planetary science to cosmology, and with strong regional, national and international roles in the LOFAR project. Coverage ranges across Cosmology and Evolution of the Universe; Dark Matter and Dark Energy; Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei; Stellar Formation and Evolution; Planetary Science (Exoplanets and Solar System); Nucleosynthesis; and Radio Astronomy.
  • Data-Intensive Science – particle physics and astrophysics have been at the forefront of the application of modern computer analysis techniques, such as machine learning, to data-rich research problems, including those beyond the discipline boundaries
  • Medical and Bio- Physics: Medical Imaging; Radiation Detection and Instrumentation.
  • Theoretical Physics: String theory; Quantum Field Theory; Quantum Gravity; Materials.
  • Atmospheric and Climate physics: Atmospheric dynamics; Air quality; Light scattering and radiative processes; Particle instruments & diagnostics; Microphysical processes

… but that’s not all; see the individual universities’ research group links below to find the full breadth of research taking place in SEPnet.

University research groups

The University of Hertfordshire

The University of Portsmouth

Queen Mary, University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London

The University of Southampton

The University of Sussex

PhD Programmes

For information on our Postgraduate Research programmes and PhD Scholarships please see here.

SEPnet Equipment

SEPnet universities host a diverse range of facilities for research and development. If you are looking for equipment as part of a research proposal then follow the links above to the relevant research areas or to the individual SEPnet university websites.