Research

From statistics to complex and nonlinear phenomena, astrophysics to smart materials, lasers to CubeSats, and communications to renewable energy, the pioneering research in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering focuses on a wide range of issues.

The Department has core groups in Astrophysics (Solar and Space Physics), Mathematics (Mathematics of Complex and Nonlinear Phenomena), Statistics (Applied Statistics), Renewable Energy (Renewable Energy Technologies and Materials), Electrical Engineering (Electrical Power and Control Systems), Communications (Optical Communications Research Group) and Materials Physics (Smart Materials & Surfaces Laboratory).

Prospective PhD students: Opportunities to carry out postgraduate research towards an MPhil/PhD or MSc by research exist in all the areas identified above. Further information may be obtained from The Graduate School.

Visiting scholars: We welcome visiting academics - please contact Professor James McLaughlin (for Mathematics or Astrophysics queries) or Professor Guillaume Zoppi  (for Physics or Electrical Engineering)   

To access research outputs in this area and others, please visit Northumbria Research Link.

Click each research area below to find out more about our work:

Applied Statistics

With an increasing demand for the provision and explanation of meaningful statistics to navigate through the data-driven modern world, our research focuses on the development and application of statistical models to real-life problems in the fields of health, medicine and social science.

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Quantum and Molecular Photonics

Light-matter interaction is central to fundamental phenomena and technologies, and is a rapidly increasing field of significant scientific importance. In the Quantum and Molecular Photonics (QMP) research lab, we develop sophisticated experimental tools and methods aided by advanced computational models to address challenging problems at the interface of quantum optics, materials science and photonics technology.

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Mathematics of Complex and Nonlinear Phenomena (MCNP)

Mathematical theories underpinning different classes of phenomena possess a universal character, with the same mathematical equations appearing to govern phenomena of different nature. The Mathematics of Complex and Nonlinear Phenomena can therefore be seen as the seed for cross-fertilisation between different research areas and disciplines.

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Solar and Space Physics

We are a successful group pursuing high-international-priority research across the broad remit of Solar and Space Physics. The group demonstrates international leadership across theory, numerical modelling, observations of solar and space plasma, data intensive science, and a growing reputation for space-related hardware.

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Electrical Power and Control Systems

The Electrical Power and Control Systems Research Group has a well-established record of carrying out research and development relating to projects such as renewable energy and the design of advanced control systems.

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Optical Communications Research Group (OCRG)

The Optical Communications Research Group (OCRG) specialises in visible light communications, non-linear control systems and optical sensor research.

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Renewable Energy Technologies and Materials

With over half of all energy consumption and carbon emissions occurring within building envelopes, our research interests are focused on the development and improvements of the means for providing low carbon and renewable energy for electricity, heating and air conditioning.

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Smart Materials & Surfaces Laboratory (SMSL)

Smart materials and surfaces are ones designed with particular properties and whose properties can be changed by external forces or interfacial interactions. Our research includes investigations into how surfaces can shape liquids, reduce drag and how forces can manipulate droplets or liquid films.

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Faculty Education Research Group

This cross-disciplinary group supports educational and pedagogic research, ranging from small projects with an immediate impact on the student experience, through to funded collaborative projects with external partners generating high impact outputs.

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