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Research area

Physics and astronomy

The East and West observatories atop the Southampton physics and astronomy building at Highfield Campus.

Our work is centred around astronomy, quantum light and matter, and theoretical particle physics. We're ranked in the top 5 physics and astronomy departments in the Russell Group.

Research highlights

Research highlights

A satellite image of a galaxy, with a box zooming in on the centre and revealing a supermassive black hole hidden behind a cloud of gas and dust.

Revealing space’s secret supermassive black holes

Space
Scientists from the University of Southampton have found that there are more hidden supermassive black holes in the universe than previously thought.

Demystifying the universe’s largest galaxies

Space
The mystery of the creation of the universe’s biggest galaxies has almost been solved, thanks to new significant discoveries from an international team of experts, including members of the University of Southampton.
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Uncovering secrets of our universe

Space
A team of astronomers, led by researchers from the University of Southampton, has discovered the largest cosmic explosion ever observed.
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Shining a light on neutron stars with string theory

AI, big data and analytics
Engineering
Space
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Applicable Resurgent Asymptotics: towards a universal theory. An Isaac Newton Institute Programme

Future societies and communities
AI, big data and analytics
Engineering
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Disorder is Good – Taming disorder in self-assembled materials with topology

AI, big data and analytics
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
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Putting quantum computing in the palm of your hand

Space
Future societies and communities
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Measuring the impact of the aurora borealis on climate change

Space
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
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Research institutes, centres and groups

Quantum, Light and Matter Group

Our research group examines the connections between physics, chemistry and engineering.

Multiwavelength Accretion and Astronomical Transients

Our group carries out frontline research on observational astrophyics. We study black holes across the electromagnetic spectrum, the formation and growth.

Quantum Theory and Technology

We explore the ultimate limits of light-matter interaction in nanophotonic devices, aiming to unlock the potential for advancements in quantum material engineering and high-precision sensing.

Mathematical Modelling

The modelling group focuses on mathematical modelling across science and engineering, including physics (from the physics of quanta and strings to that of liquid crystals), chemistry (modelling lithium-ion batteries and solar cells), engineering (controlling sound direction), biology, medicine and healthcare (from stem cell population dynamics to medical imaging and healthcare models).

Hybrid Quantum Networks Lab

We research quantum light-matter interactions between atomic ensembles and single photons.

Centre for Defence and Security Research

Our multi-disciplinary research responds to the breadth of defence and security requirements, delivering leading edge capability to both government and to our industrial partners.

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Facilities

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