We are a group with very wide ranging research activities, united by our interest in integrating cutting-edge experiments and modelling to enable effective use of materials in engineering applications.  We work to understand the behaviour of materials and structures on timescales from nanoseconds to centuries, lengthscales from nanometres to kilometres and temperatures from a few kelvin to many thousands of degrees.

A key interest of the group is to link fundamental scientific advances to industrial application.  In addition to our longstanding relationship with Rolls-Royce, underpinned by the University Technology Centre in Solid Mechanics, we have a portfolio of industrial contacts in sectors including aerospace, defence, healthcare and energy.  Our research is based on a set of, often unique, experimental and modelling tools, some of which are housed in our Research Facilities, enabling us to engage with external organisations on short or long-term projects.

We also collaborate widely with other departments in Oxford, and with other Universities around the world.  We admit approximately 45 doctoral students per year, and recruit approximately 20 new post-docs.  Take a look at the research themes below, and if you are interested in working with us, or just organising a visit, please feel free to contact individual academics or to fill in the contact form.