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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford

@oxfordphysics.bsky.social
986 followers 288 following 406 posts

We work to develop, nurture and promote a physics community. Visit linktr.ee/PhysicsOxford for events, news and to learn more about the research taking place in our Department.

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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 8h
UK astronomers used MeerKAT and Webb to find the host galaxy of the most distant fast radio burst to date, dating 3 billion years post-Big Bang. Read the full article: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/uk-astron…
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) was able to detect the host galaxy of the fast radio burst called FRB 20240304B, whose location is shown by the white cross. They found it is a small dwarf galaxy actively forming stars.
Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Themiya Nanayakkara (USYD)
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 14h
Francis Halzen has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for IceCube. Listen Dr. Kirsty Duffy and Matin Durrani discussing why neutrinos keep attracting Nobel prizes.  physicsworld.com/a/francis-halzen-a… @physicsworld.bsky.social
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
#ThrowbackThursday: celebrating 150 years of the Clarendon Laboratory back in 2022 with members of the department. Join us on 11 November as Timothy Baker presents his new book on the history of physics at Oxford. More info, link in bio/events.
Emeriti and current members of the department looking at old photos from the department of Physics. Copyright V.Crowder/Department of Physics.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Alumni: Join us at Oxford & Cambridge Club on 23 Oct - only a few places left, book soon. The evening will be hosted by Professor Andrew Boothroyd (Head of Physics) and our guest speakers will be Professor Kimberly Palladino and Dr Saqlain Choudhary. To book, check link in bio.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The Lamb Lecture 2026 'Black Hole Collisions: The Extreme Side of gravity' by Prof. Frans Pretorius on 21 Oct. All welcome, public event. Physicists can also attend two technical lectures 19 & 20 Oct. Read more and register: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/events/lamb-le…
Image: Screenshot from an animation of lapse function from an equal mass binary black hole merger, from Prof Pretorius’ website https://fpretori.scholar and a portrait of Professor Pretorius, too.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Oxford Physics is proud to be part of IceCube, the collaboration behind this year's Nobel Prize-winning discovery of high-energy cosmic neutrinos 🧊 We've been members since the collaboration formed in 2004, and are its only UK institution. Congratulations to Prof Francis Halzen and the whole team!
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Precision engineering for science – and for beauty. Our skilled mechanical workshop team took time out from making parts for telescopes and particle detectors to craft new signage for the Oxford Quantum Institute, led by Prof Ian Walmsley. The result? This precision-crafted copper beauty.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Using AI equation discovery, UK researchers derived three equations to study North Atlantic climate variability, showing how rainfall links ocean and atmospheric dynamics. Read more: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/using-ai-…
AI visualisation of the model in the recent paper by Nicoll et al in Earth System Dynamics.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We're delighted to welcome our new cohort of graduate students to the Department of Physics. This week they began their inductions with a lecture from Prof Ard Louis. To all our new students: We're delighted you're here, and we can't wait to see where your research takes you.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Congratulations to Prof Francis Halzen on the 2026 #NobelPrize in Physics for discovering high-energy cosmic neutrinos w/ IceCube! 🧊 It was a pleasure to welcome him in 2019 for our Particle Physics Christmas Lecture. Watch:
podcasts.ox.ac.uk
IceCube: Opening a New Window on the Universe from the South Pole
Professor Francis Halzen is Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center and Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
*A message for new and returning students* You are required to complete your 'Harassment and Sexual Misconduct' training when you start your course, and before you begin registration.  To book your place: www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/haras…
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Dr Richard Nies has been awarded the APS Marshall N. Rosenbluth Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award. His research on plasma turbulence and flows in fusion reactors addresses a key barrier to energy confinement in nuclear fusion. More via link in bio.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The official Oxford Physics online shop is now open! Get your 10% discount throughout October - Use code TCS-FRESH10
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Big news in our universe: Our online shop has launched and is officially open! 🚀 Show your love for physics and support the department at the same time.  Visit thecollegestore.co.uk/collections/d…  During October you can enjoy 10% off using code TCS-FRESH10 at checkout 🛍️
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
#ThrowbackThursday - When our archivist Prof. Stephen Blundell looked back at His Royal Highness's the late Prince Philip 1960 visit to our department - including precise routes, high-voltage labs, and strict orders for staff to keep corridors clear. More: physics.ox.ac.uk/news/prince-philip-visit
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Oxford physicists used a hybrid quantum computer to simulate a core quantum phenomenon called the Aharonov-Bohm effect. The setup shows how hybrid quantum systems can model complex particle interactions beyond classical computing limits. More via link in bio.
Artist’s illustration of the loop formed by the hybrid quantum system. Spinning tops represent qubits and springs represent quantum oscillators, together forming the plaquette geometry studied in the experiment and extending into a repeating lattice pattern. The central loop is pierced by an Aharonov-Bohm flux, highlighting one of the main results of the work.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A University of Oxford study in Nature Cities reveals that while economic growth expanded access to cleaner cooking in India, coal power reliance drove a 30% rise in urban pollution deaths between 2000 and 2020. Findings have wide global implications. Read more via the link in bio.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#ThrowbackThursday What links Oxford Physics to a remote island on Canada's East Coast? In 1901, Marconi received the first transatlantic signal on Signal Hill, St. John's. His granddaughter Princess Elettra Marconi Giovanelli visited us. Our Comms Officer, Claire MacLeod, is from St. John's!
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Join us 6 Oct for a #BlackHistoryMonth lecture w/ Dr Farrah Simpson (@Princeton) on Long-Lived Particles at CERN’s CMS Detector. Hosted by Samantha Akinwale. Free & open to all  🎟️ Book: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/events/search-…
Poster for the vent, with a portrait of Dr Simpson and an image from a particle collision at the back.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
🍁Astronomical autumn has officially begun in the Northern Hemisphere. At 01:06 BST, the September equinox occurred as the Sun crossed the celestial equator moving south. On this day, the Sun rises directly in the east and sets in the west, giving us equal day and night lengths.🍂
The image is a collage of a sunset image and a graphic over it showing a vector illustration of the seasons from Earth's orbit. Made with Canva.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
How did the first galaxies light up the cosmos? Join fellow Oxford Physics alumni & guests as astronomers explore how cutting-edge telescopes like JWST & Euclid are uncovering the origins of stars, black holes, and galaxies. 🌌 ✨ 🎟️ Register via link in bio.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Oxford Physics researchers have created SPIN-Seq-a new technique that observes thousands of individual DNA molecules at work & reads their exact sequence. This breakthrough connects a DNA molecule’s function directly to its sequence. More via link in bio.
Field of view (50 × 80 μm) of molecules sequenced for the experiment. Circled molecules were identified correctly; in-square molecules were assigned incorrectly. White spots: fiducial markers. Scale bar, 5 μm. Image credit: Jagadish Prasad Hazra
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Oxford’s Cloq team won £25k at the Reuben College Entrepreneurship Forum! Founded by 3 physics students & 1 engineer, Cloq is commercialising a compact, low-cost atomic clock for high-precision timing. Next stop: competing in Berlin this October! ⚛️⏱️ #OxfordPhysics #Innovation
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Catch Noether, the acclaimed Oxford play celebrating physics pioneer Emmy Noether—Einstein’s "most significant mathematical genius." Written by physics student Esme Somerside Gregory, it's now touring Warwick, Cambridge, London & Oxford! 🎟️ Info & tickets: @cartesianproductions
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Welcome to Physics Information Day! Meet tutors and attend talks on admissions and Oxford Physics from 10:00–16:00 (no booking required). Details: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/study/undergra…
The post shows three different images from past public events and open days.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🌌 'Quantum Universe: Less than Nothing, More than Everything' Ever wondered what quantum music sounds like? Join "Kazakh Mozart" Dr. Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin at our talk on 25 Sept, followed by drinks. 🎟️ Register now: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/events/quantum…
A photo of Dr Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Oxford researchers created energy-efficient physical AI using water and spin waves to process information and control autonomous robots in real time. Read more: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/robotics-… Video generated artificially with the purpose to illustrate the article.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Oxford physicists working with the ATLAS experiment at CERN have helped confirm that quantum entanglement occurs even among some of the heaviest and most fleeting particles ever created.  Read more: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/uncoverin… @ox.ac.uk
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Preparing for Oxford physics? Check out our dedicated YouTube playlist featuring step-by-step problem-solving guides hosted by our staff.  Link in bio, or scan the QR code on the image. 📆 Remember Information Day on Friday 18 Sep: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/study/undergra…
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Thinking of studying Physics at Oxford?⚛️ Join our Info Day on Fri 18 Sept (10:00–16:00)! - Meet tutors & ask questions all day - Admissions Q&As + Taster Lecture - Talks for supporters & teachers Details & schedule: www.physics.ox.ac.uk/study/undergra…
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#Throwback to 100 years of quantum physics. In 1926, Erwin Schrödinger cracked quantum wave mechanics. Today, his equation powers your smartphone, MRI scans, and Oxford’s latest ground-breaking quantum physics. #ThrowbackThursday #Quantum100
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Meet Rachael Harris, Programme Director at the Oxford Quantum Institute, who is shaping new fellowships, industry partnerships, and interdisciplinary research in quantum’s new Townsend Building hub.  Read more via link in bio or www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/meetracha…
Image shows a portrait of Rachael Harris over a background photo of OQI (the original photo is by Fred Howarth).
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
ECCTI 2026 is live at Oxford! Researchers are connecting over poster sessions, cutting-edge trapped ion talks, and sponsor goodies from TOPTICA, IonQ, and NQCC today. ⚛️ Full details of this event: indico.fysik.su.se/event/9371/overv…
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Pressure highlights D-Day’s high-stakes weather forecast. In The Primacy of Doubt, Tim Palmer uses this moment to show how ensemble, probabilistic forecasting guides climate risk today.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The historical St Giles' Fair is taking place today tomorrow Tuesday 8 September. There will be road closures in the area of St Giles' from Sunday until Wednesday to enable the fair to take place. Scan the QR code on the image for updated information.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Thinking of studying physics? Interested to know what is like to study physics at Oxford? If you missed our Open Days in July, this condensed version is for you. Visit the event's page via link in bio, or www.physics.ox.ac.uk/study/undergra…
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Nobel laureate Sir Roger Penrose and an international team have observed gravity's effect on falling quantum matter, proving Einstein's equivalence principle holds in quantum realms. Read the full article www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/scientist…
The 2D MOT apparatus which feeds the science chamber with cold atoms. At the centre is a glass cell held under vacuum between coils producing magnetic fields. The atoms go into the science chamber through the tiny hole that may be seen in the centre of the yellow (reflecting) surface.
Credit: Or Dobkowski
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Four Oxford students, including three from Physics, won £5k in the StEP accelerator! Their startup, Cloq, brings low-cost atomic clocks to market. Next stop: Berlin! 🚀 Read the full article via link in bio or www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/student-t…
Team 'Cloq' clockwise from bottom left: Aria Puri who is in the final year of her undergraduate degree, Joel Klein who is just starting the MPhys programme and David McMahon, who is completing his DPhil in Atomic and Laser Physics, from the Department of Physics, along with Yuanzhu Wang who is in the second year of his engineering degree.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Oxford Photonics Innovation Day - Register now 📝 Thu 17 Sep, Beecroft Building, Physics. Free, register by 4 Sept. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. For full information, scan the QR code, visit our website via link in bio or www.physics.ox.ac.uk/events/oxford-…
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
TBT Oxford physicist Professor Nicholas Kurti used vacuum pumps and syringes to pioneer culinary physics, famously asking why we study Venus but ignore soufflés. In 2022 we hosted 'Baking a cake in 3 layers' (Krauss/Blundell). Watch the video - scan the QR code or link in bio.
Professor Nicholas Kurti CBE FRS (1908-1998) 
Considered by many the father of molecular gastronomy. Image by Alistair Morrison. This collage has been made using two pages from a scanned publication but no data is available about the name of it.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment has recorded a rare particle interaction that may signal dark matter. Researchers require further data to confirm the potential WIMP discovery. Read more via link in bio or www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/intriguin…
Light detectors line the outer layer of the LZ experiment.
Credit: Matthew Kapust/Sanford Underground Research Laboratory
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
*A message for new and returning students* You are required to complete your 'Harassment and Sexual Misconduct' training when you start your course, and before you begin registration.  More info: www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/haras… or scan the QR code.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Booking is now open for #MeetingMinds2026, taking place from 18-20 Sep. Join other Oxford alumni and discover how we are turning today's biggest challenges into tomorrow's boldest breakthroughs. Book your place today visit @oxfordalumni or scan the QR code. #MeetingMinds2026
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Reposted by Department of Physics at the University of Oxford
Royal Society of Chemistry @rsc.org · 28/08/2026
Poster deadline approaching: Bridging electrochemical devices across Earth & space applications. Submit your poster abstract by 7 Sept to discuss your work with peers & leading experts at our @faradaydiscussions.rsc.org. Get instant feedback, submit now: rsc.li/electrochemical-fd2026 #ChemSky
Bridging electrochemical devices across Earth and space applications, 2-4 November 2026 in London, UK. Poster abstract 7 September 2026.
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Reposted by Department of Physics at the University of Oxford
MPLS Division, University of Oxford @mplsoxford.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Our congrats to @oxfordphysics.bsky.social’s Professor Herz, awarded the @royalsociety.org's Rumford Medal and @oxfordchemistry.bsky.social’s Professors Iain McCulloch & Charlotte Williams, awarded the Hughes Medal and Armourers & Brasiers’ Company Prize respectively. ➡️ tinyurl.com/4ze44ysv
Two Royal Society medals above text announcing awards for three MPLS Division academics (Chemistry and Physics).

Medal image credit: Royal Society
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Congratulations to Professor Laura Herz for winning the Royal Society’s Rumford Medal for her pioneering solar cell research and ground-breaking work on semiconductors. Read the full article via link in bio or visit www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/professor…
A portrait of Professor Laura Herz over a background image of a section of her lab set up
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Throwback to 2015, when the London and South east branch of the Institute of Physics (L&SE IoP) retired members came to visit us. Here seen outside the Townsend Building on Parks Rd. #throwbackthursday #TownsendBuilding #Physics
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Dr. Shruti Nath argues that AI-powered forecasting can help predict frequent extreme weather, provided experts co-develop methods to address its limitations. Read more: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-08-19-expert…
Image shows the portrait of Dr Shruti Nath (copyright Department of Physics) and background image credit: Petrovich9, Getty Images.
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Department of Physics at the University of Oxford @oxfordphysics.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Join Dr. Ilknur Colak’s talk 'Leading at the Edge: Navigating Complexity with Clarity ' on Nov 26, 3-5pm (seminar for UG/PostGrads and staff).  Book your free place in advance via link in bio, or www.physics.ox.ac.uk/events/leading…
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