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LUX-ZEPLIN surface lab

Leading xenon researchers unite to build next-generation dark matter detector

The XENON/DARWIN and LUX-ZEPLIN collaborations have now joined forces to work together on the design, construction, and operation of a new, single, multi-tonne scale xenon observatory to explore dark matter.

Close-up of the wall of the Beecroft building

Philanthropy, physics and photovoltaics

In June 2021, the Department of Physics received a significant donation from the Binks Trust to further solar energy research over the coming years; we speak to the chair of the Binks Trust, philanthropist Jo Elliot to find out more.

Kevin Olsen reaching up to touch the Trace Gas Orbiter

Commentary: Dr Kevin Olsen on the mysteries of Mars

Dr Kevin Olsen, UKSA Aurora Fellow, is working on data analysis for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter; here he comments on the latest finding from the TGO and what they mean for life on Mars.

Sci Cache Challenge

Science festival treasure hunt

The Department of Physics at Oxford contribute to the Sci Cache Challenge as part of ATOM Science Festival

Close-up of the fibre positioner, built in Oxford, for WEAVE

Telescope upgrade could unlock secrets of the Universe

After ten years of planning, design and construction, final preparations are underway for a brand new all-seeing instrument to be switched on at the William Herschel Telescope: a pioneering eye on the sky for the northern hemisphere.

Ramy Aboushelbaya

Meet...Ramy Aboushelbaya

We work among extraordinary people doing extraordinary things; get to know some of them by reading these quick-fire interviews.

Meet...Peter Hatfield

We work among extraordinary people doing extraordinary things; get to know some of them by reading these quick-fire interviews.

Simulation of first stars and galaxies

Commentary: Dr Harley Katz on the cosmic dawn

Dr Harley Katz, Beecroft Fellow in Cosmology, comments on the latest exciting evidence pin

Professor Tony Bell awarded Yodh Prize

Emeritus Professor Tony Bell has been awarded this year’s Yodh Prize for his theoretical contributions that led to a breakthrough in understanding the acceleration of cosmic rays by amplified magnetic fields.

Professor Philip Stier and Karman vortices

Professor Philip Stier: climate and the clouds

A profile of leading climate scientist Professor Philip Stier

Major advance in study of quantum materials

Professor JC Séamus Davis has discovered that an elusive state of quantum matter is in fact a ubiquitous and important property of nature – not a unique phenomenon in the cuprates

Image of watery surface

Water-watch on Mars

Scientists from the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford have monitored the variations of water vapour and semi-heavy water in the atmosphere of Mars using observations from the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter.