News

News stories

Find out about the latest Physics and Astronomy news from the University of Sheffield.
REF 2021 illustration
12 May 2022

Physics at Sheffield rated 1st in the UK for the quality of research

In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 100 per cent of research and impact from the Department of Physics and Astronomy has been classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
A picture of the Andromeda galaxy
5 May 2022

Astronomers discover a rare ‘black widow’ binary star, with the shortest orbit ever identified

A rare triple black widow - a pair of stars that rapidly circle each other before one is consumed by the other - has been discovered by scientists.
21 April 2022

Scientist explains Jimmy White’s impossible snooker shot

An impossible snooker shot that has blown the minds of professional players and fans alike following a demonstration by Jimmy White, has finally been explained after the star teamed up with a scientist from the University of Sheffield.
Pixel network illustration

Key research challenges in quantum technologies to be tackled thanks to new fellowships

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Quantum Technologies Career Development Fellowships aim to take quantum knowledge from the laboratory out into industry and society.

13 April 2022
A picture of the Andromeda galaxy

University of Sheffield researchers awarded over £2.6 million to support particle physics research

Physicists at the University of Sheffield have been awarded more than £2.6 million to address fundamental questions on the composition of the Universe.

10 March 2022
Northern Lights

University of Sheffield to host ‘His Dark Materials’ free event

This World Book Day, four experts from the University of Sheffield will look at the science from the award winning fantasy novels.

24 February 2022
An artist’s impression of the white dwarf star WD1054–226 orbited by clouds of planetary debris and a major planet in the habitable zone.

Planetary bodies observed in habitable zone of dead star

A ring of planetary debris studded with moon-sized structures has been observed orbiting a white dwarf star, hinting at a nearby planet in the “habitable zone” according to a new study involving University of Sheffield astronomers.

11 February 2022
Circle with connecting lines to represent quantum technology

University of Sheffield spin-out secures seed investment to revolutionise trust in global telecommunications and computing with quantum photonics

University of Sheffield spin-out, Aegiq, has secured a seven-figure seed investment to develop next generation networking with quantum security.

20 January 2022