Research Strategy & Impact

The Department has four overarching collaborative themes through which new research directions are driven. We are structured into nine research groups: Astrophysics (ASTR), Condensed Matter Theory (CMTH), Experimental Solid State Physics (EXSS), High Energy Physics (HEPH), Plasma Physics (PLAS), Photonics (PHOT), Quantum Optics & Laser Science (QOLS), Space & Atmospheric Physics (SPAT), and Theoretical Physics (THEO). Research is not siloed in these formal groups and staff are encouraged to collaborate and interact via the themes. Staff associate with multiple themes, providing the flexibility needed to tackle multidisciplinary challenges.

This flexible and nimble thematic approach has created vibrant collaborations and new research directions, e.g. combined laboratory fusion plasma modelling with planetary magnetospheres, to enable space weather prediction (SPAT, PLAS); Quantum Technology and Quantum Information Science (QOLS, CMTH, EXSS with participation in the Strategic Advisory Board (Knight-Chair) and three UK Hubs with leadership from Kim(M), Hinds, Walmsley); generated activities in Fundamental Physics such as cosmology (ASTR, THEO), dark matter (ASTR, HEPH), phenomenology (HEPH, THEO) and emerging activities in advanced statistics, AI and machine learning (all groups). Space Plasma & Climate provides a natural forum for our work on exoplanets (ASTR, SPAT) and in Condensed Matter Physics techniques are brought together from metamaterials and nanophotonics (EXSS, CMTH).

To find out more, please check out the Imperial Physics' REF2021 Environment Statement.

 

Our research strategy is based on solid pillars:

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Pursue Innovation

To tackle world's challenges

Interlaboratory Collaborations

To facilitate an interdisciplinary approach to research

State-of-the-art Facilities

To carry out world-changing research

Captivating Talks

To sensitise the public towards physical sciences

Inclusive Environment

Where everyone can reach their full potential

Impact Case Studies

Validation of CO2 emissions informing climate change

Application of systems to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and guide institutional mitigation actions against climate change.

Metamaterials & electromagnetic properties

The commercialisation of metamaterials, whose electromagnetic properties are as much influenced by their structure as by their chemical composition.

Impact Case Studies

Quantum optics research influencing policy

The fundamental quantum optics research that has influenced the Government policies and investments in Quantum technologies

Climate Change Risk Assessment for the Government of Cyprus

A study about atmospheric physics and regional climate change which was subsequently used to provide a complete risk assessment on the effects of climate change in Cyprus.

To know more about our Impact cases at Imperial Physics, please visit our REF2021 impact case study database. This function allows you to browse and search for impact case studies submitted to the REF 2021. Use the search and filters to find the impact case studies you are looking for.