Cosmology and Astronomy
We’re celebrating our world leading success in Astronomy and Cosmology.
We’re active members of a global community of astrophysicists and cosmologists searching for answers to some of the biggest questions in physics today: How do galaxies form? What are dark matter and dark energy? And what will be the ultimate fate of the universe?
Our research also extends to life on Earth and we’re making an impact in healthcare and in business and industry.
With advanced supercomputer technology and access to the most powerful telescopes on Earth – and in space – we simulate and observe the Universe in a quest to unravel its mysteries.
We are also helping to build the next generation of ground and space-based telescopes that will expand the frontiers of cosmic knowledge.
Our excellent research environment and facilities attract scientists from across the globe to come to this beautiful city in the North of England to work with us.
Ultimately our goal is to extend society’s knowledge and understanding of the Universe and our place within it.
Astronomy and Cosmology at Durham University
Our space scientists are among the world’s most cited by fellow researchers and we’re at the forefront of research that is furthering our understanding of the universe and the exploration of space. We’re also helping to tackle problems on Earth like Covid-19 and disease in coffee plants. Footage credits include: Josh Borrow using C-EAGLE/Jacob Kegerreis/NASA/Intel/ESO For more about Astronomy and Cosmology at Durham visit https://www.dur.ac.uk/research/themes/cosmology/
Featured Research
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Networks
Durham University hosts the COSMA supercomputer, an international facility used by scientists across the world to simulate the evolution of the Universe with unprecedented accuracy.
COSMA plays a key role in the UK’s Distributed Research utilising Advanced Computing (DiRAC) facility supporting research in cosmology, astrophysics, particle physics and nuclear physics.
The Institute for Computational Cosmology is a major partner in the international Virgo Consortium for Cosmological Supercomputer Simulations.
Outreach and Events
Galaxy Makers – Design Your Own Universe!
Higgs to Hubble schools outreach
ICC dedicated outreach page