Physics is about questioning, studying, probing nature. You probe, and, if you’re lucky, you get strange clues – Lene Hau

Physicists observe natural phenomena – the way the universe operates – and develop laws to describe them mathematically. At Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), we explore physical phenomena on every scale, from tiny sub-atomic particles to Supermassive Black Holes, and energy in all its forms, such as light, gravitation and motion.

The laws of physics lie behind every technological advancement and are exploited in every area of human endeavour. Experimental and theoretical physicists at SHU continually probe the natural world to not only further our understanding of the universe on the most fundamental level, but to address global issues such as climate change, energy generation, advances in artificial intelligence, security and medical treatments. Physics lies behind the untapped technologies of the future, and the work of physicists at Sheffield Hallam University is contributing to these advances.

Explore our areas of physics research throughout these webpages.