Department of Physics - Oxford University

We apply the transformative power of physics to the foremost scientific problems; educate the next generation of leading physicists; and promote the public understanding of physics.

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Department of Physics

Our research

Our researchers change the world: our understanding of it and how we live in it. We explore the fundamentals – how we got here and the secrets of the universe – as well as the practical from developing next-gen materials to pushing the frontiers of quantum and predicting the future for our planet. 

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Launch your studies

Our dynamic programme of outstanding research as well as our specialist research facilities, collaborative research networks and international renown attract the brightest minds from around the world. Come and join them.
Undergraduate students in a lecture theatre
Undergraduate
Postgraduate students talking around a blackboard
Postgraduate
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We work with businesses to share expertise, develop new ideas, provide services and commercialise research and our strong links with business are fundamental to how we work.
For business
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We want to spark a passion for physics in young people and we work directly with primary and secondary schools on a local and national scale to encourage physics for all. We want to inspire the physicists of tomorrow.
For schools
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We organise a wide range of public events not only to share our passion for physics but also to help people understand our work and see how our research impacts lives.
For the community

Upcoming events

21 September 2021
plasma seminars
Seminars and colloquia

Plasma Theory Seminar: Decay of primordial magnetic fields via reconnection can explain cosmic-void observations

David Hosking (Oxford)

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21 September 2021
Composite image of the night sky with Oxford's skyline, the Extremely Large Telescope's and James Webb Space Telescope silhouette overlaid.
Public talks and lectures

Seeing our history from the Big Bang to Now: New Tech for New Discoveries

Public Lecture by Dr John C. Mather (Nobel Laureate in Physics 2006)

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23 September 2021
A poster for the Collide event in September
Public talks and lectures
Public events for children and young people

COLLIDE! Why particle physics at Oxford matters...

A livestream event to learn about particle physics research at Oxford.

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28 September 2021
plasma seminars
Seminars and colloquia

Plasma Theory Seminar: Learning transport processes with intelligent machines

Francesco Miniati (Oxford)

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Giving

How to support the Department of Physics

Find out how you can support our world-class scientific research and teaching and help the Department of Physics to tackle some of the most urgent and fascinating challenges we face today

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Alumni of the Department of Physics at an event

Alumni

Once a physicist, always a physicist...

Our alumni relations office exists to nurture and develop long-lasting relationships between students, staff and friends of the Department of Physics so please do get in touch with ideas, feedback or just to say hello!

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