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« Back to NewsOxford welcomes new Schmidt AI in Science Fellows
29 April 2025
Ten new Fellows have joined the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship programme at the University of Oxford. Now entering its third year, the programme is helping to accelerate the next scientific revolution by applying artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to research across the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematical sciences.
Researchers and volunteers unite to uncover spectacular space discoveries in new satellite data
20 March 2025
Department of Physics researchers have been at the forefront of studies working with thousands of members of the public to sift through the immense quantities of data from Euclid to shed light on how mysterious forces shaped the evolution of the Universe.
First distributed quantum algorithm brings quantum supercomputers closer
6 February 2025
A breakthrough from researchers at the Department of Physics addresses quantum’s ‘scalability problem’: a quantum computer powerful enough to be capable of processing millions of qubits.
Empowering the Next Generation of Physicists: The Denys Firth Scholarship Launched with £1.52M Endowment
3 February 2025
The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division at the University of Oxford is delighted to announce the establishment of the Denys Firth Scholarship in Theoretical Physics, made possible by a generous gift from Denys Firth (Oriel College, 1969, Physics).
Researchers confirm the existence of an exoplanet in the habitable zone
28 January 2025
The planet was originally detected two years ago by Oxford University scientist Dr Michael Cretignier. This result, drawing on over two decades of observations, opens a window to future studies of Earth-like exoplanets that may have conditions suitable for life.
In The Conversation: Global temperatures pass critical milestone
15 January 2025
Researchers from the Department of Physics report in The Conversation on how global temperatures passed the critical 1.5°C milestone for the first time in 2024.
Professor James Binney awarded Royal Astronomical Society’s Gold Medal
13 January 2025
Professor James Binney from the Department of Physics, has received the Royal Astronomical Society’s 2025 Gold Medal for Astronomy for his lifetime achievements in the study of the structure and evolution of galaxies.
Athena Swan Gold for the Department of Physics
4 December 2024
Congratulations to the Department of Physics, which has been given the Gold award having held Athena Swan Silver since 2019.
Four MPLS researchers selected for European Research Council Consolidator Grants
3 December 2024
Four MPLS researchers have been awarded European Research Council Consolidator Grants, part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. These grants, totalling €678 million this year, aim to support outstanding scientists and scholars as they establish their independent research teams and develop their most promising scientific ideas.
Redefining net zero will not stop global warming, new study shows
18 November 2024
In a new study led by the Department of Physics, an international group of researchers who developed the science behind net zero demonstrate that relying on ‘natural carbon sinks’ like forests and oceans to offset ongoing CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use will not actually stop global warming.
Two Oxford physicists recognised by the Institute of Physics
24 October 2024
Professor Stephen Blundell and Professor Laura Herz from the Department of Physics have been awarded gold medals from the Institute of Physics (IOP).
In The Conversation: Getting carbon capture right will be hard – but that doesn’t make it optional
18 October 2024
Professor Myles Allen, Department of Physics and School of Geography and the Environment, sets out the case for focussing on the big picture – why we need Carbon Capture and Storage to work
Solar energy breakthrough could reduce need for solar farms
12 August 2024
Scientists in the Department of Physics have developed a method for generating increasing amounts of solar electricity without the need for silicon-based solar panels by coating a new power-generating material onto the surfaces of everyday objects such as rucksacks, cars, and mobile phones.
New AI-led science initiative will help protect communities hit by climate change in East Africa
27 June 2024
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Department of Physics, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and various national forecasting and meteorology agencies across east Africa are joining forces to pioneer a transformative initiative that is revolutionising extreme weather forecasting and early warning systems in the region.
Researchers generate black hole ‘plasma fireballs’ on Earth
14 June 2024
An international team of scientists, led by the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford, has developed a novel way to experimentally produce plasma ‘fireballs’ on Earth, opening up a new frontier in laboratory astrophysics.
First use of weather forecasts to show human impact on extreme weather
30 May 2024
Researchers from the Department of Physics, led by Professor Myles Allen, demonstrate the use of state-of-the-art weather forecasts to show how greenhouse gas emissions affect extreme weather.
In The Conversation: How extreme weather will affect the insurance and energy sectors
30 May 2024
More than 70% of Britain’s electricity came from wind turbines at the peak of Storm Isha, compared to an average of 30%.
First proof that 'plunging regions' exist around black holes in space
17 May 2024
An international team led by researchers in the Department of Physics have proved that Einstein was correct about a key prediction concerning black holes. Their study gives the first observational proof that a 'plunging-region' exists around black holes.
Breakthrough promises secure quantum computing at home
11 April 2024
The full power of next-generation quantum computing could soon be harnessed by millions of individuals and companies, thanks to a breakthrough by scientists at Oxford University Physics guaranteeing security and privacy.
Dr Chris Ballance, quantum computing’s up-and-coming star
9 April 2024
Profile of Dr Chris Ballance, Future Leaders Fellow at Oxford University Physics, who is at the forefront of the field of quantum computing, from the initial blue-sky ideas through to leading high-performance quantum systems that are solving real problems.