Physics and Astronomy University of Oulu

Overview

On the Physics and Astronomy of the University of Oulu doctoral students receive excellent knowledge and skills for experimental and computational/theoretical research and the use of related infrastructures. 

In addition, they learn to work in an international research environment and create international networks. The training program provides excellent starting points for a researcher's career as well as teaching and expert positions in universities, research institutes and industry around the world.

Key facts

• The research topics of the Nano and Molecular Systems (NANOMO) Research Unit include nanomaterials for sustainability, materials characterization methods, atmospheric physics, quantum computing, biomedical physics, and physics didactics. Experimental materials research, carried out in synergy with computational research, utilizes international large-scale facilities (e.g. synchrotrons).

• NMR Research Unit develops and applies modern experimental as well as computational and theoretical magnetic resonance methods to characterize physical properties of molecules, materials and nanosystems and to reliably interpret the acquired data. The methods are utilized in many disciplines, e.g., for the development of carbon-neutral cements, studying cancer cell metabolism and understanding the role of aerosols in climate change.

• In the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit, Space Physics studies solar activity and its effects on the heliosphere, the Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, atmosphere, and climate. In Astronomy, the topics include the evolution and structure of galaxies, planetary ring systems and high-energy astrophysics. The doctoral training programme in Physics and Astronomy aims to train independent scientists in the aforementioned disciplines.