School of Physics and Astronomy

Congratulations to Professor Richard Ball who has been elected as RSE Fellow.

Professor Richard Ball

Congratulations to Professor Richard Ball who is among the distinguished individuals elected to become Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

Professor Ball works in the area of particle physics theory, the study of elementary particles and their interactions as revealed by experiments at particle colliders such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. He has a broad range of interests, from chirality and the Higgs boson, to high energy quantum chromodynamics, and the extraction of precision physics from hadronic collisions using neural networks and machine learning.

Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, is an educational charity established in 1783.

New Fellows are elected to the RSE each year through a nomination process and the Fellowship comprises around 1,800 leading experts. The RSE uses its combined knowledge of Fellows to tackle the most pressing issues facing society, provide independent expert advice to policymakers and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.

Data sheds light on how mysterious forces shaped the evolution of the Universe.

Q1 Release

The “quick look” (Q1) release of the first survey data from the European Space Agency’s pioneering Euclid satellite – made public today – has led to a flurry of scientific advances that further our understanding of the cosmos. 

Launched in July 2023, Euclid is mapping the Universe with unprecedented precision and accuracy. By examining more than one billion galaxies over six years, this groundbreaking space telescope aims to explore two of astronomy’s biggest mysteries: dark matter and dark energy.

Despite covering less than 0.5 per cent of the complete study area, the data is already proving to be a treasure trove for UK scientists.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh lead the UK’s involvement in the data analysis and host the UK’s Science Data Centre for Euclid.

As a key part of the Euclid Consortium, Edinburgh processes the huge amounts of data from the satellite before it is studied by teams in the UK and across the wider community. This process is already having exciting ramifications for astronomy.

Spectacular discoveries

Euclid has scouted out the three patches of the sky that it intends to, eventually, make the deepest observations of its mission: Deep Field North, Deep Field Fornax and Deep Field South. Put together, these previews of the Euclid deep fields make up the equivalent area of sky more than 300 times the full Moon.

Many of the results using this data have been led by UK based scientists, including discoveries of strong gravitational lensing systems, the characterization of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and the identification of supernovae.

Those results are described in a set of 27 scientific publications, as well as 7 technical papers that describe how this data has been processed by the Science Ground Segment, which receives the initial data from the Euclid satellite and transforms it into data that scientists can work with instantly.

Science Ground Segment

Edinburgh’s leading role in the partnership of seven UK universities which contribute strongly to the Science Ground Segment is instrumental not only to today’s data release, but also more extensive releases in the coming years.

Professor Andy Taylor of the University of Edinburgh, who leads the UK Science Ground Segment and the gravitational lensing data analysis for the mission, said:

These latest results show just how powerful Euclid is for astronomy and how fantastically its data analysis pipeline is working, with such high-quality data over huge areas of the sky. The strong sensing results in particular, led by UK teams, are a huge advance of previous analysis. It has been a lot of hard work over many years to develop, but the results are amazing.

Dr Gordon Gibb, University of Edinburgh and Technical Lead of the UK Science Data Centre, said:

The vast quantity of data collected by Euclid requires considerable infrastructure on the ground to process it. Edinburgh proudly hosts the UK's data centre for Euclid processing, comprising state of the art hardware and an excellent team of software developers and scientists to ensure timely delivery of high-quality data ready for scientific exploitation. 

A much larger data release, DR1, is scheduled for October 2026 which will include results about the nature of dark energy.

Breakthrough demonstrates a link between these topological structures to unique hydrogel material properties.

Using a combination of experiments and simulations, researchers from the School’s Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems investigated the material properties of hydrogels made of DNA building blocks, called ‘nanostars’.

The team used experimentally-validated simulations to accurately quantify the internal structure of the gels, and then employed experiments to test simulation-based predictions on how the gels’ elasticity depended on varying DNA concentration.  

They discovered that DNA nanostars formed long-lived, interpenetrating networks that had never been seen nor conjectured before. The DNA nanostars created a ‘network-within-a-network’ with loops that interlinked each other and thus presented non-trivial ‘topology’.

The crux of the findings was the demonstration of a link between these complex topological structures and the material properties of the gels. The team also observed similar structures in other network-forming materials, including ice.

The group hopes that their research will pave the way for a new concept in the science of complex fluids, such as gels, pastes, soaps, and other liquids, which fall into the category of ‘topological viscoelasticity’, where the topology of the microscopic network determines its material properties.

Dr Yair Augusto Gutierrez Fosado from the School's Computational Materials Physics research group said:

This significant result enhances our understanding of the connection between the macroscopic mechanical properties of a network, with mathematically rigorous quantities, such as topological invariants. We believe that 'topological viscoelasticity' will be a central theme in rheology of complex fluids in the future.

MSc Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences students visit Boulby Mine, the world's first subsurface astrobiology lab.

Students enrolled on the MSc degree in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences have literally deepened their knowledge by descending a kilometre underground to explore life in extreme environments.

In December 2024, the students travelled to Boulby Mine, the location of the world's first subsurface astrobiology lab, established by the University of Edinburgh’s UK Centre for Astrobiology (UKCA) in 2013. 

The mission to the subsurface began with lectures on using mine facilities as analogues for extraterrestrial environments. The students then completed health and safety training and donned protective gear for the expedition underground.

Inside the mine, students practised sterile sampling methods and investigated salt mineral deposits similar to those found on Mars. They learned about geothermal heat, ionizing radiation, geology, and subsurface microbiology. A highlight was touring a Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) laboratory including dark matter and neutrino detectors. 

Salma Malaika, MSc Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences student said:

From just a few hours underground, I was able to gain an intuitive feel for what it means to be a researcher in an isolated world, and to truly see the beauty and intricacy behind conducting research in a challenging environment. My passion for the field—and admiration for researchers and staff—has only grown.

Andrew Wright, MSc Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences student commented:

Surrounded by halite crystals, 1000 meters below the surface, few things can compare. Being able to witness the frontier of dark matter and astrobiology research in person was astounding! It was like experiencing another world on Earth and was an experience I’ll never forget.

The immersive activity was part of MINAR (Mine Analog Research) which brings scientists and technologists together to use the Boulby underground laboratory to conduct science and test equipment in support of space exploration. This visit was made possible by the kind support of the STFC and ICL Boulby.

New research reveals that bacteria have evolved to help neighbouring cells after death.

A research team has made the surprising discovery that a type of gut bacteria has evolved to use one of their enzymes to perform an important function after death.

Darwin’s theory of natural selection provides an explanation for why organisms develop traits that help them survive and reproduce.

Because of this, death is often seen as a failure rather than a process shaped by evolution. 

When organisms die, their molecules need to be broken down for reuse by other living things. Such recycling of nutrients is necessary for new life to grow. 

Now a study led by Durham University and involving researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Oxford have shown that a type of E-coli bacteria produces an enzyme that breaks the contents of their cells down into nutrients after death. 

The dead bacteria thus offers a banquet of nutrients to the cells that were their neighbours when they were living.

Lead author, Professor Cann from Durham University said:

We typically think of death being the end, that after something dies it just falls apart, rots and becomes a passive target as it is scavenged for nutrients. But what this paper has demonstrated is that death is not the end of the programmed biological processes that occur in an organism. Those processes continue after death, and they have evolved to do so. That is a fundamental rethink about how we view the death of an organism.

Co-author Professor Wilson Poon, from the School of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Edinburgh, inspired the research after posing what he believed were some unanswered questions about why organisms die the way they do.

The researchers assembled and realised they had stumbled across a potentially new area of biology: processes that have evolved to function after death. 

Professor Cann said:

One problem remained; we couldn’t work out how an enzyme that functions after death could have evolved. Typically, we think of evolution acting on living organisms not dead ones. The solution is that neighbouring cells which gain nutrients from the dead cells are likely to be clonally related to the dead cell. Consequently, the dead cell is giving nutrients to its relatives, analogous to how animals will often help feed younger members of their family group.” 

Co-author Professor Stuart West of the University of Oxford added:

This is like nothing we have observed before – it is equivalent to a dead meerkat suddenly turning into a pile of boiled eggs that the other members of its group could eat.

The finding demonstrates that processes after death, like processes during life, can be biologically programmed and subject to evolution. 

Biomolecules that regulate processes after death might be exploited in the future as novel targets to bacterial disease or as candidates to enhance bacterial growth in biotechnology.

Professor Poon suggests that modelling such processes using the tools of statistical physics may also provide design principles for humans as we move towards a more circular economy in which recycling needs to be built in from the beginning.

The study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

Training events hosted by physicists and astronomers empower Girl Guide leaders to inspire young girls in STEM through hands-on challenges and activities.

In an inspiring collaboration, Girl Guiding leaders are being equipped to bring the wonders of physics to young girls. Through two interactive training events, local Girl Guide Leaders learned how to deliver the exciting challenges and activities that form the ‘I am a Physicist’ badge.

‘I am a physicist’ Girlguiding badge

The ‘I am a physicist’ Girlguiding badge introduces girls to the world of physics in a fun and educational way. The badge is open to all Girlguiding sections and includes activities for the youngest 5 year old Rainbow to the oldest Ranger at age 18.

The challenges

In order to complete the ‘I am a physicist’ Girlguiding badge, girls have to undertake four challenges:

• Experience: engage in simple and fun activities that introduce basic ideas and build confidence in conducting experiments.
• Create: apply these ideas by making or building something practical and imaginative.
• Investigate: undertake experiments to explore the question ‘What happens if…?’
• Meet, visit, community: meet a physicist or visit a museum or science centre where they can see physics in action.

Training events for Girl Guide Leaders

In November 2024 and February 2025, 30 Girl Guide leaders attended workshops hosted by the School of Physics and Astronomy. Led by Dr David Fairhurst, with support from PhD students and staff from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, these sessions provided leaders with hands-on experience of the badge activities, as well as resources and guidance on delivering them to their local groups.

Each leader left the workshop with a specially curated ‘goodie bag’ from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, containing fun tools to inspire their girls. The training not only boosted the leaders’ confidence but also equipped them with practical resources to make physics engaging and accessible.

The training sessions received glowing reviews from attendees. One leader shared her enthusiasm:

That was such a fab afternoon, loads of fun and learning.  Great pizza and I can't believe the goodie bag. Would recommend to anyone if they do another. Thank you to all who organised.

Broader Impact

The ‘I am a Physicist’ badge was created by the East Midlands branch of the Institute of Physics (IOP) and has already reached over 50,000 participants across the UK and internationally. By fostering curiosity and confidence in physics, the initiative encourages young girls to envision themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators of the future.

Thanks to the following who made the sessions possible:

• Sue Midgely, Girl Guiding Edinburgh, who provided some funding
• Deborah Phelps, Rolls Royce, Derby, Girl Guiding Nottinghamshire, and former Institute of Physics East Midlands
• Fiona Travers and Abi Ashton, Royal Observatory Edinburgh who provided goodie bag material
• Sammi Bowers, Institute of Physics Scotland, who provided some funding
• Eugénia Delacou, Larissa Palethorpe, Mariam Arif, PhDs student at the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Find out about the School of Physics and Astronomy MSc programmes.

MSc Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences

In this online session, Prof. Charles Cockell will talk about the MSc in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences. Come along to find out more about programme structure, course options, projects, student experience and career opportunities.

The event will take place on Blackboard Collaborate and a link to join will be sent to those who sign up to attend.

Session details

Date: 19th February

Time: 3-4pm (UK time)

Book your place

MSc Particle and Nuclear Physics

In this online session, Prof. Christos Leonidopoulos will talk about the MSc in Particle and Nuclear Physics. Come along to find out more about programme structure, course options, projects, student experience and career opportunities.

The event will take place on Blackboard Collaborate and a link to join will be sent to those who sign up to attend.

Session details

Date: 23rd April

Time: 3-4pm (UK time)

Book your place

Professor Steve Tobias appointed Tait Chair of Mathematical Physics.

Professor Steve Tobias has been appointed the next Tait Chair of Mathematical Physics and will commence his post in June 2025.

Fluid dynamics

Professor Tobias’ research examines the dynamics of turbulent fluids and plasmas and their interaction with magnetic fields. Such interactions are important for our understanding of the behaviour of fluids in planets, stars and galaxies – but also in magnetically confined fusion devices. The interactions take place on a vast range of spatial and temporal scales and so novel mathematical and theoretical insights and computational methods are required for progress to be made. Recent progress has also utilised Machine Learning techniques to complement the theoretical progress.

Professor Tobias completed his PhD in Applied Mathematics in 1995 at DAMTP, Cambridge under the supervision of Professor Nigel Weiss FRS. He was then elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge in Mathematics in 1996, before 2 years as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA. In 2000 he moved to the Department of Applied Mathematics in Leeds, where he was Founding Director of the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics in 2018.

Tait Chair of Mathematical Physics

The identification of Mathematical Physics as a discipline distinct from physics and mathematics in Edinburgh began in 1922 when the Tait Chair of Natural Philosophy was established using the Tait Memorial Fund endowment. The Chair was named after Peter Guthrie Tait, a close colleague of William Thomson and James Clerk Maxwell, and the intention was thus that it should be devoted to the teaching of mathematical physics. In 1966, it was renamed and is now called the Tait Chair of Mathematical Physics. Professor Tobias is the sixth holder of the Tait Chair, following Charles Galton Darwin (grandson of the eminent naturalist), Max Born, Nick Kemmer, David Wallace, and most recently Richard Kenway.

Professor Tobias said:

I am absolutely delighted and honoured to take up the Tait Chair in Mathematical Physics at the University of Edinburgh. The School of Physics and Astronomy in Edinburgh is one of the leading schools nationally and internationally, and it is a privilege to be asked to lead research and teaching in nonlinear dynamics, fluids and plasmas here. I am looking forward immensely to working with the exceptional colleagues and students at Edinburgh.

Congratulations to Gill Maddy, who works as a Staffing & EDI Officer in the School of Physics and Astronomy, and received a Staff Experience award at the inaugural College of Science and Engineering Staff Awards event last week.

Gill was nominated for the variety of work she carries out which has a positive impact on staff experience in the School. She leads a Parent and Carer network and has also established a Menopause Support network, raising awareness of menopause in the workplace. She often organises informal coffee and cake social gatherings to celebrate important events, to welcome new staff or simply to reinforce team spirit.

The College-wide event took place to celebrate some of the people who add incredible value to their School or department.

The Staff Experience award celebrates those who have positively impacted staff experience through initiatives or working practices to help improve staff wellbeing.  

Congratulations to Dr Franz Herzog who has received a European Research Council Consolidator Grant.

The European Research Council (ERC) has announced recipients of its 2024 Consolidator Grants. These grants aim to support outstanding scientists and scholars as they establish their independent research teams and develop their most promising scientific ideas. The funding is provided through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.

Collider physics

Dr Herzog’s research interests focus on high-order perturbative calculations in Quantum Chromo Dynamics and its applications in collider physics.

The grant will be used to improve theoretical predictions for producing Higgs bosons, electroweak bosons, top quarks and jets as created in collisions at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. To accomplish these highly challenging calculations a novel methodology is proposed to develop asymptotic series expansions based on new insights in Feynman graph theory.