Research

Learn about research in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and explore our research groups and centres.

Mathematics research

Our mathematics research is leading to real change in the world and making a difference to people’s lives, from helping to feed the growing global population to predicting which areas in the world will flood next and ground-breaking modelling to predict local COVID-19 impact.

Our research groups

• Analysis and Partial Differential Equations
• Probability and Statistics
• Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing
• Mathematical Physics
• Mathematics Applied to Biology.
  
  

• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

  We’re delighted with our performance in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021).
  
  The research performed in the Department of Mathematics (as submitted to UoA10-Mathematics) was assessed overall to be 35% world leading (4*) and 60% internationally excellent (3*). We are particularly pleased to see that 98.2% of our research outputs were considered either world-leading (41.8%) or internationally excellent (56.4%). This result correlates with an improved environment that is rated as 100% conducive to producing research either of world-leading or of internationally excellent quality. We have improved our research impact, with 83% now rated either outstanding or very considerable. Our Mathematics overall ranking by GPA rose from 39th to 26th in the UK, between REF2014 and REF2021, according to Times Higher Education.

  Across the University of Sussex as a whole, 89% of research activity submitted to REF 2021 was categorised as either ‘world-leading’ (40.6%) or ‘internationally excellent’ (48.4%).

  The results of REF 2021 were published on 12 May 2022.

  See all REF results and read the stories behind the research we submitted.

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Physics and Astronomy research

Our research explores cutting-edge physics, from quantum technology and particle experiments to nanomaterials and the nature of space, time and matter.

Our research groups and centres

• Astronomy Centre
• Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
• Experimental Particle Physics
• Materials Physics
• Mathematical Physics
• Theoretical Particle Physics.

• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

  We're delighted with our performance in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021).

  Our Department of Physics and Astronomy’s research (as submitted to UoA 9 - Physics) was assessed overall to be 42% ‘world leading’ (4*) and 52% ‘internationally excellent’ (3*). We are particularly pleased that our research environment was so highly rated with 75% considered to be conducive to producing research of world-leading quality and enabling outstanding impact in terms of its vitality and sustainability. This is borne out by the results we achieved with more than 95% of our research outputs rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We also made major advances in the impact of our research with 87.5% assessed as having very considerable or outstanding reach and significance. Examples of our research impact range from commercialising quantum computing and nanoparticle-based inks, to influencing public policy, and drought forecasting in Kenya. We feel privileged to work with such talented colleagues carrying out important research in a strong and inclusive research environment.

  Across the University of Sussex as a whole, 89 per cent of research activity submitted to REF 2021 was categorised as either ‘world-leading’ (40.6 per cent) or ‘internationally excellent’ (48.4 per cent).

  The results of REF 2021 were published on 12 May 2022.

  See all REF results and read the stories behind the research we submitted.

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Members of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences play leading roles in the following research centres at Sussex:

• Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies
• The Data Intensive Science Centre.

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You might also be interested in:

• undergraduate research for physics and astronomy students
• see our PhD degrees
• how to apply for a PhD
• explore our PhD funding and scholarships
• our seminar series
• past research events.