Clockwise from top left: Shubham Kulkarni, Dr Joseph Goodwin, Dr Kun Peng; Dr Oana Bazavan
Of the eight initiatives recognised in this year’s Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Impact Awards, four came from the Department of Physics: Dr Joseph Goodwin won the MPLS Commercial Impact Award while Dr Kun Peng was commended and Dr Oana Bazavan won the MPLS Early Career Public Engagement with Research Award while Shubham Kulkarni was commended.
Commercial impact
Dr Joseph Goodwin won the Commercial Impact Award for his role in founding and leading Oxford spin-out Quantum Fabrix (QFX). Building on years of research at the forefront of trapped-ion quantum computing, Dr Goodwin co-founded the Oxford spin-out QFX in 2024 to commercialise quantum technologies developed within the Department of Physics. Established without external investment, the company generated revenue through component sales from its first day of operation before securing its initial investment round in January 2025. Since then, QFX has secured and delivered a strategic UK government quantum technology contract, expanded its manufacturing capability and intellectual property portfolio, accelerated the development of modular quantum hardware, and grown component sales to customers around the world.
Dr Kun Peng was commended in the same category for her work in developing new nanomaterial-based approaches that improve terahertz imaging. Her work supports the transition of the technology from laboratory research into applications in healthcare, manufacturing and security. Through programmes including RisingWISE, UKRI ICURe and EPSRC Impact Acceleration funding, she has worked with industry to identify commercial opportunities and refine applications including disease detection, manufacturing quality control and more efficient waste sorting.
‘Ensuring that research that takes place in the Department of Physics has an impact in society is a core tenet for us,’ comments Professor Andrew Boothroyd, Head of the Department of Physics, said: 'Joe and Kun both embody this through their outstanding work – it takes enormous drive and commitment to realise impact and I am absolutely delighted that their exemplary efforts have been recognised with an award.’
Public engagement with research
Dr Oana Bazavan was the overall winner of the MPLS Early Career Public Engagement with Research Award for her work making quantum technology research accessible and building capacity for public engagement. During the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Dr Bazavan made quantum research more accessible to school students and public audiences through a programme of school impact days, public talks and interactive demonstrations. She coordinated around 40 researchers and contributed to activities that reached more than 2,000 people, helping participants explore complex ideas in engaging and accessible ways. Alongside delivering events, she developed resources that continue to support researchers in delivering high-quality public engagement.
Shubham Kulkarni was commended in the same category for his work building a sustainable astronomy engagement community through student-led stargazing. During his DPhil, Shubham expanded opportunities for astronomy engagement by developing an inclusive programme of stargazing events and hands-on activities for students and members of the public. He has led more than 70 astronomy events, reaching nearly 1,500 participants, while re-establishing the Oxford University Space and Astronomy Society and creating a regular programme of weekly activities. Through live telescope observations and volunteer training, he has established a sustainable community that continues to introduce new audiences to astronomy and the research taking place within the Department of Physics.
‘Sharing our research with as wide an audience as possible is another cornerstone of our departmental mission,’ comments Professor Boothroyd. ‘To do this in a thoughtful, impactful and engaging way is a remarkable skill; Oana and Shubham have consistently gone above and beyond their research to bring others along with them and they are both a huge asset to the department.’