Research
Find out about our key research themes and methods.
Exploring the Universe
We focus on the early Universe, observational cosmology and galaxy formation. These topics are explored through a combination of theoretical modelling, numerical simulations and observational techniques.
- The Early Universe
Image credit: anisotropies of the Cosmic microwave background (CMB) observed by Planck, ESA and the Planck Collaboration.
The study of the early Universe investigates how the Universe began and evolved from its earliest moments after the Big Bang into the large-scale structure we observe today.
It focuses on the physical processes operating at extremely high energies and densities, typically from fractions of a second after the Big Bang up to the formation of the first stars and galaxies.
Key questions we aim to address include:
- How did space, time, and matter originate and expand?
- What set the initial conditions for cosmic structure?
- How did fundamental forces and particles behave at extreme energies?
- How did tiny primordial fluctuations grow into galaxies and clusters?
Key people
- Observational Cosmology
Image credit: DESI-Y5-butterfly-cool, Claire Lamman/DESI collaboration.
Our observational cosmology research seeks to understand the structure, history, and evolution of the Universe using direct astronomical observations.
Rather than focusing primarily on theory or simulations, it uses data from telescopes and surveys to measure how the Universe behaves on the largest scales. Its central goal is to test cosmological models against what we actually observe in the sky.
Key questions we aim to address include:
- How fast is the Universe expanding, and how has that changed over time?
- What is the geometry and overall composition of the Universe?
- How did galaxies and large-scale structure form and evolve?
- What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy?
At Sussex, we contribute to a range of major international collaborations, including the Simons Observatory, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, and 4MOST, among many other large-scale surveys and observational programmes.
Key people
- Galaxy Formation
Image credit: Abell S1063 galaxy cluster, NASA, ESA, CSA, V. Kokorev (University of Texas at Austin), A. Pagan (STScI).
The study of galaxy formation is concerned with how galaxies originate, evolve, and acquire their observed structures over cosmic time.
Key questions we aim to address include:
- How did the first galaxies form after the Big Bang?
- How does dark matter shape galaxies?
- Why do galaxies have different forms — spirals, ellipticals, irregulars?
- How do stars, gas, black holes, and mergers affect galaxy evolution?
- Why do some galaxies stop forming stars?
At Sussex, these questions are addressed through a combination of cutting-edge observational facilities and large-scale supercomputer simulations. Our researchers contribute to several major international projects, including the James Webb Space Telescope, the Extremely Large Telescope, the Square Kilometre Array, and the Herschel Space Observatory, enabling studies that span the formation and evolution of galaxies across cosmic time.
Key people
Real-world problem solving
We work to translate methods and algorithms initially developed for astronomy and particle physics into real-world problem solving. For example applying astronomy data analysis to enhance disaster forecasting.
Explore the Data-Intensive Science Centre