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

Research area

Physics and astronomy

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 institutes, centres and groups

Astronomy Group

We study space and cosmic phenomena above the Earth’s atmosphere.
Biomedical Imaging Unit

We provide research and diagnostic services in high quality, high-resolution light and electron microscopy, specialising in 3D imaging.
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.
Hybrid Quantum Networks Lab

We research quantum light-matter interactions between atomic ensembles and single photons.
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.
Quantum, Light and Matter Group

Our research group examines the connections between physics, chemistry and engineering.
Southampton High Energy Physics (SHEP) group

We explore the underlying theories of particle physics from collider phenomenology to string theory and from lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) to beyond the Standard Model physics and cosmology.
Southampton Imaging and Radiology Research Group (SIRRG)

Our mission is to elevate the academic development, visibility, and robustness of imaging research within Southampton.
Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre

The Southampton Theory, Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre brings together three research groups with world-leading expertise on issues relating to fundamental physics and astronomy.
Vibration and Simulation Laboratory (VibSim)

VibSim is the University of Southampton's dedicated Vibration and Simulation Laboratory. The laboratory combines facilities for vibration testing, environmental simulation and human response research with specialist expertise, providing a resource for industry and research.

Mark Sullivan

Associate Dean (Research)

Tony Bird

Associate Dean (Education)

Sebastian Hoenig

Nicholas Evans

Professor of Particle Physics

Matthew Middleton

Facilities

Laboratory with a Bruker Neo 400MHz device in the centre of the room

Magnetic resonance facility

Our facilities at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Magnetic Resonance include nine NMR spectrometers plus several customised and ancillary items. Our facilities are located on the ground floor of Building 27 (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering).

A researcher in a cleanroom suit with a 200mm wafer in the nanofabrication cleanroom

Nanofabrication cleanrooms

The nanofabrication cleanrooms houses a fully featured suite of semiconductor processing tools as well as a planar fabrication laboratory.

x-ray diffraction imaging equipment

X-ray diffraction imaging facility

The X-ray diffraction imaging facility is suited for work including crystal structure determination, high resolution surface texture mapping, and texture pole plotting.