Nuclear Physics
Programme and aims
A nucleus is a system of protons and neutrons, themselves composed of further sub-constituents (quarks), held together by the strong force.
The broad aim of Nuclear Physics research is to study the properties and structure of nuclei, and the mechanisms involved in their creation. This poses questions about the limits of nuclear stability, the fundamental physical processes which governed the formation of light nuclei in the first moments after the Big Bang, and the subsequent synthesis of heavier nuclei within stars.
Nuclear Physics research provides technologies which are transferable to wider applications, benefiting society in a range of areas including medicine, power production and security.
Research in this field comprises the design and research and development of detector systems, experimental work which is carried out at specific overseas facilities, data analysis, and a complementary theoretical programme.
The Nuclear Physics programme can be divided into four broad areas of research:
STFC Nuclear Physics Group
STFC's Nuclear Physics Group (link opens in a new window) is based at the Daresbury Laboratory. The group's main role is to support and contribute to the UK's Nuclear Structure research programme.
The members of Nuclear Physics Group offer expertise in a number of different specialised areas. They are involved in the design and installation of equipment in facilities around the world. The group responds to requests for support from the UK nuclear physics community and others. The nuclear physicists in the group also have their own research programmes which are carried out at international facilities, often in collaboration with other groups.
Nuclear Physics Grants Panel
The Nuclear Physics Grants Panel assesses and makes recommendations to the STFC executive on research grant applications in nuclear physics.
Nuclear Physics grants round: 2010-11
The guidelines for the nuclear physics grants round may be downloaded from the links below:
|Guidelines on the application process (PDF - 130kB - link opens in a new window)
Nuclear Physics travel grants
The nuclear physics travel grant scheme has been subsumed within the consolidated grants scheme as of 1 August 2011. In future this support will be included in the consolidated grants, instead of being awarded through a separate scheme. This is intended give more flexibility to groups and reduce the effort required in submitting and assessing ad hoc applications. STFC will therefore not be accepting further requests for standalone travel grants.
Nuclear Physics in society
Nuclear Physics positively influences our daily lives, through advances in technology, health, and energy production, and yet is often misunderstood by the general public.
Page last updated: 01 August 2011
by Katharine Schofield
