Search results (141)
« Back to NewsAthena Swan Gold for the Department of Physics
4 December 2024
Award Equality and Diversity Physics
Congratulations to the Department of Physics, which has been given the Gold award having held Athena Swan Silver since 2019.
Four Oxford researchers selected for European Research Council Consolidator Grants
3 December 2024
Chemistry Funding Maths Physics Research
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
Climate Physics The Conversation
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
Functional materials Physics Research
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.
Major new project will harness AI to transform how zero-emission buildings are designed
22 March 2024
Engineering Physics Research Sustainability & the environment
Researchers from the Departments of Engineering Science and Physics are to join the ZEBAI project. The major new initiative, backed by the European Commission Horizon Programme, aims to revolutionise the way Zero-Emission buildings are designed.
Entering the quantum era
19 March 2024
Innovation and Enterprise Physics Research Spin out
The world’s most powerful computer hasn’t yet been built – but we have the blueprint, says the team behind Oxford spinout Quantum Dynamics. Meanwhile, Chris Ballance, co-founder of spinout Oxford Ionics, says ‘quantum computing is already solving complex computing test cases in seconds – solutions that would otherwise take thousands of years to find.’
Boost to doctoral training will support leading research in areas of national importance
12 March 2024
Chemistry Energy Funding MPLS Materials science Physics Statistics Teaching
The UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills, totalling more than £1 billion nationwide, has been announced today by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. It includes funding for over 300 fully-funded DPhil studentships at Oxford in strategic research areas.
Oxford early career researchers shine in Parliamentary competition
6 March 2024
Award Chemistry Computer science Engineering MPLS Maths Medical science Physics
Thirteen early career researchers from Oxford were finalists at this year’s STEM for BRITAIN event, held on Monday at the Houses of Parliament, with three winning awards in their categories.
From The Conversation: Global warming may be behind an increase in the frequency and intensity of cold spells
4 March 2024
Climate Physics The Conversation
Beatriz Monge-Sanz from the Department of Physics discusses a less obvious consequence of global warming which is attracting growing attention from scientists.
Researchers achieve breakthrough in silicon-compatible magnetic whirls
20 February 2024
Functional materials Physics Research
Researchers from the Department of Physics have made a breakthrough in creating and designing magnetic whirls in membranes that can be seamlessly integrated with silicon, which could be used as information carriers in a new generation of green and super-fast computing platforms.
From The Conversation: Nasa’s Mars helicopter Ingenuity has ended its mission – its success paves the way for more flying vehicles on other planets and moons
30 January 2024
Physics Space The Conversation
Kevin Olsen, UKSA Mars Science Fellow in the Department of Physics, discusses the extraordinary achievements of the Ingenuity helicopter mission.