Explaining and predicting what happens in the physical universe. Knowing how things work and understand what’s going on around them in nature, in science and in technology.
The research covers a broad spectrum from Astronomy and Engineering related science, to Complex Systems and Mathematical Modelling, which can be applied to medical and biological sciences, as well as physical sciences.
Much of our research is interdisciplinary with links in Engineering, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Orthopaedics, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Sciences and Geology.
For more information please view the physics webpage and the staff list.
Theoretical and fundamental areas in quantum gravity and theory of gravity beyond Einstein, as well as phenomenological investigations into gravitational decoherence of quantum mechanical systems.
Theme Leader: Dr Charles Wang
Gravitation and CosmologyUnderstanding the causes of human gastrointestinal disease via environmental and food-borne pathways - using quantitative microbiological risk assessment, temporal and spatial analysis tools; rapid methods for concentration, separation and detection of microbial pathogens from the environment and food; image analysis and pattern recognition techniques applied to fisheries and environmental sciences.
Theme Leader: Professor Norval Strachan
Infectious DiseasesThe application of mathematical and physical reasoning and modelling techniques to understand biological processes at the cellular level is one of the current frontiers in science. In Aberdeen, topics in this area include mathematical modelling of DNA replication and repair, RNA-to-protein translation, homeostasis and stress response in microorganisms, circadian rhythms, Metabolic Networks, Symbiont-Host relationship, synthetic genetic networks and neuroscience.
Theme Leader: Professor Celso Grebogi
Systems BiologyResearch ranges from theoretical (such as the modelling of semiconductor devices) to experimental (structure/property correlations in ionic conductors and magnetic materials).
Solid State and Device PhysicsResearch areas include biomaterials and biomechanics, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography, ophthalmology and THz imaging.
Theme Leader: Professor Jan Skakle
Atomic Structures of Solids and Solid State PropertiesThe theory of complex dynamical systems plays a central role in integrating mathematical developments with biological experiments.
Director: Professor Celso Grebogi
Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology (ICSMB)Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Holders of postgraduate degrees in physics-related subjects enter a wide range of careers in private sector, academia and government. Industry offers a wide variety of exciting jobs that will build on your critical thinking and research driven experience, e.g. consultancy, researcher, scientific writer, life scientist, communicator or data scientist.
