Research

Our physicists are engaged in broad range of high-level research. Importantly, the creativity, resourcefulness and authority fostered by first class research feeds directly into the quality of our teaching at all levels. All of our taught programmes include the opportunity to carry out a major research project, which is usually undertaken in one of our research themes. 

Our research has three principal research themes: 

• Matter, Light and Quantum Theories

• Astrophysics, Planetary Systems and The Environment

• Chemical, Biological and Materials Physics

An important aspect of physics research at UEA is a collaborative spirit that has led to strong interactions not only across the three principal themes, but also with researchers in Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Our prestigious School of Environmental Sciences produces leading work in geophysics, meteorology and volcanology, while our Chemistry researchers  are working on fundamental topics in physical chemistry and ultrafast laser spectroscopy. 

We also conduct applied research in Mathematics, largely in nonlinear physics and fluid mechanics, alongside theoretical work in quantum physics. 

We welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students, postdocs and fellows. Postgraduate students form an integral part of our research community and we aim to provide a supportive and vibrant research environment in which they can develop and hone their research skills. 

If you are interested in joining us, specific projects are described in our research themes and current postgraduate research opportunities are described on the postgraduate research pages.