Foundations of Natural Science
The natural sciences progress by capturing the phenomena of nature in scientific theories and expressing them in terms of mathematical laws. These theories and laws show how nature is structured and lay bear the fundamental relationships between even its smallest parts.
The Foundations of Natural Science focus area unites astrophysics, particle physics, theoretical physics and mathematics in a unique combination that aims at reaching a better understanding of the basic principles of the structure and behaviour of matter. Our research ranges from the development of instruments for future generations of telescopes to gaining insight in key theories of physics and abstract mathematics. Studying phenomena at the highest energies and the lowest temperatures, we seek to construct a consistent theoretical and mathematical framework that ultimately will allow for a concise quantitative description of the fundamental laws of nature and confront this framework with relevant experimental results. Our ambition is that this research will contribute to man's ability to influence and utilise nature for the good of mankind.
Read more:
Contact information
The coordinator of this research focus area is:
Prof. H.T.C. (Henk) Stoof
T + 31 30 253 18 71
E h.t.c.stoof@phys.uu.nl