Mathematics and physics research

Our collaborative research community has active links across the School, the wider University, and with academic institutions and industrial organisations in the UK and worldwide. Our research focuses on fundamental theory and the big questions of time and space, as well as finding the solutions which will improve lives in areas such as healthcare, green energy and big data.

Research groups

Our mathematics research groups explore pure and applied topics including analysis, nonlinear partial differential equations, ergodic theory, geometry, quantum field theory, general relativity, string theory, fluid dynamics, complex systems, mathematical biology, statistics, and modelling in the life sciences.

Our physics research groups have strong links with other disciplines such as electronic engineering and biosciences. Covering five key areas – astrophysics, nuclear physics, photonics and quantum sciences, radiation and medical physics, and soft matter – our groups deliver internationally-leading research and enable hands-on research experience for our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Telescope on hill at night with stars shining

Astrophysics group

Combining multi-scale numerical simulations with observational data to advance our knowledge of the Universe.

Fundamental Mathematics Group

Focusing on a range of topics in analysis ranging from the pure to the applied end.

Mathematics at the Interface Group

Carrying out research primarily in interdisciplinary mathematics that interfaces with other disciplines, ranging from biology, to data science and statistics, to quantum field theory and relativity.

Students using the ellipsometer in a lab

Nuclear Physics Group

Working at the forefront of nuclear physics research, studying the atomic nucleus with a variety of experimental techniques and probes.

Quantum sciences

Studying theoretical and experimental quantum systems, from the formal mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics to its applications in technology.

Soft Matter, Biological and Medical Physics Group

Working on a wide range of soft things, from living cells to paints including experimental, and computational research, as well as pure science and work with industrial collaborators.

Research centres

Surrey Space Centre

A world leading Centre of Excellence in Space Engineering. With a mission to create and disseminate knowledge that leads the progress of space engineering and its applications in the space sector.

Latest news

22 JUL 2025

The maths behind early morning awakenings, the effects of evening light and the naps of babies

Students working in the Physics Radiation lab

10 JUL 2025

Five reasons to study physics at Surrey

Students in Oman with a rocket behind them

03 JUL 2025

UK students to launch international space mission

Collaborations

We pride ourselves on our ability to connect pure science with technology, life sciences with medicine, and to work across the boundaries between disciplines. We have many national and international collaborations with companies, other universities and research institutes.

Advanced Technology Institute

The Advanced Technology Institute brings together electronic engineers, chemical process engineers and physicists to solve grand challenge problems in quantum information, nanotechnology, energy and advanced materials.

Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology

A multidisciplinary centre bringing together researchers who develop and deploy mathematical and computational methods to advance research and practical applications in the life sciences and medicine.

Leverhulme Quantum Biology Doctoral Training Centre

Our Leverhulme Quantum Biology Doctoral Training Centre is the first of its kind in the world. Training a new generation of scientists who can operate across the boundaries of biology, chemistry and quantum physics to pioneer research in quantum biology.

National Physical Laboratory

We have a strategic partnership with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in nearby Teddington.

Seminars and events

Take a look at upcoming maths and physics seminars and other events being held by our School.

People working in a modern business environment

Innovation

We work with industry on technology transfer and commercialising research breakthroughs, while our network of external companies and institutions underpins our renowned Professional Training and research placements.

Facilities

We have multiple laboratories and equipment to assist with our soft matter, radiation and medical physics, photonics and quantum sciences and experimental nuclear physics research.

Research excellence

In the latest UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), Surrey has risen 12 places since 2014 to 33rd in the UK for our research quality. We are also top 20 in the rankings for our research outputs.

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