Welcome to The Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics - home of Universal Loom for Lumiere 2023
The award-winning Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics is home to truly world leading work in Astronomy, Cosmology and Physics, drawing together academics, students and researchers from across the globe.
What happens inside
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?
Take a look at some of our research and find out more about how we’re making an impact in astronomy, healthcare, business and industry.
Durham scientists to map the dark Universe
Durham scientists reveal nearly two million galaxies, quasars and stars in the distant Universe
Meet the people behind the art
Spanish-American artist Daniel Canogar will illuminate the façade of the University’s Ogden Centre. This new commission, Universal Loom, will be a textile-like animated projection inspired by string theory, interpreting the woven nature of space and time. It will be created with astronomical data provided by the ground-breaking work conducted by the University’s physicists, led by Professor Carlos Frenk.
Professor Carlos Frenk elected to Royal Society Council
Universal Loom Artist Daniel Canogar
From our Student Blogs
Meet three students as they talk about their experiences of studying Physics, researching white dwarf stars and starting a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Look Closer at Our Department of Physics
Our Department of Physics is a thriving centre for research and education. Ranked 2nd in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2023 and in the World Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, we are proud to deliver a teaching and learning experience for students which closely aligns with the research-intensive values and practices of the University.
History of the building
Opened in 2017, this £11.5m research centre was designed by internationally renowned Studio Libeskind, the architectural practice behind the master plan for the World Trade Center redevelopment in New York.