Nuclear Physics

Contents

• Programme and aims
• STFC Nuclear Physics group
• Nuclear Physics grants panel
• Nuclear Physics standard grants round 2008
• Nuclear Physics travel grants
• Nuclear Physics in society
• Review of Nuclear Physics and Engineering 

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: Nuclear Structure, Nuclear Astrophysics, Hadron Physics, and the Phases of Strongly Interacting Matter.

STFC Nuclear Physics group

The Science and Technology Facilities Council 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 standard grants round 2009

The guidelines and forms for the nuclear physics grants round may be downloaded from the links below:

• Guidelines on the application process (PDF - 61kB - link opens in a new window) 

Applications are invited for Standard Grants only. Please note that the deadline for applications is 12th November 2009, at 4.00p.m. If you have any queries, please email Katharine Schofield.

Nuclear Physics travel grants

The guidelines for Nuclear Physics travel funding may be downloaded from the links below:

• Travel funding guidance (PDF - 32kB - link opens in a new window) 

STFC will continue for now to consider applications for Travel Grants, but please note that STFC reserves the right to suspend the scheme at short notice, depending on the availability of funds.

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.