We work hard to ensure that our technologies, skills and expertise benefit society and the economy; read more about how our research impacts lives all around the world.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/header_images_theme/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002131~orig.jpg?itok=_QCAiW_w)
Research from the Department of Physics established the concept of a ‘global carbon budget’, a limited cumulative amount of CO2 that can be emitted before global average temperatures rise above a target threshold.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/2021-05/Absolute%20Multiline_0.jpg?itok=UzVrNAXR)
Turning fundamental research into commercial success: a highly accurate measurement technique initially developed for an academic project has been given a commercial application through Etalon AG, a German spin-out company
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/2021-05/Quantum.jpg?itok=RQMW7ezP)
Oxford University is at the forefront of the UK’s efforts to build the first generation of quantum computers with world-leading performance. Quantum computing has the potential to transform areas of our lives such as healthcare, finance and security
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/2021-05/global-jet-watch-pink.jpg?itok=wxpy166p)
The Global Jet Watch project combines cutting edge astrophysics research with unique and inspirational outreach work – by locating telescopes in carefully selected residential schools
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/2021-05/zooniverse.jpg?itok=GBVZvRty)
The Zooniverse is a citizen scientist platform underpinned by research from the Department of Physics; it has engaged more than 2,100,000 registered volunteers in 248 projects over a broad range of topics.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/header_images_subdept/pp-sub-dept-atlas-cern.jpg?itok=b21Xd2c0)
The Department of Physics' key role in the ATLAS collaboration and its search for the Higgs boson led to the development of the citizen science project Higgs Hunters.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/header_images_theme/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002131~orig.jpg?itok=_QCAiW_w)
Researchers from the Department of Physics at Oxford developed a new formula to accurately measure the warming impact of methane emissions – essential to informing climate policy.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/2022-02/preserving-palmyra.jpg?itok=5DbySUhO)
Dr Alexy Karenowska identified an unexpected application for her fundamental research into microwave magnetic systems: creating detail-rich 3D models to help at-risk cultural heritage.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_crop_890x594/public/2021-05/StudentwithNanoimager_0.jpg?itok=U9Nzs2F_)
A desktop microscope manufactured by Oxford Nanoimaging, a spin-out from Oxford’s Department of Physics, can view individual molecules performing chemical reactions in real-time – even inside living cells.