Research at the Niels Bohr Institute

The dynamic research at the Niels Bohr Institute spans Astronomy, Geophysics, Nanophysics, Particles Physics, Quantum Physics and Biophysics. We explore the smallest sub-atomic particles to stars and planets, gamma rays and distant galaxies in the universe.

Fundamental Research is based on observations, fieldwork, laboratory experiments and theoretical models for the purpose of understanding basic laws and complex truths on this world. The Institute has a broad network of scientific cooperation, and a lively exchange of collaborators and guests with leading international research groups.

Astrophysics
A broad spectrum of astronomy and astrophysics is researched at the Niels Bohr Institute – everything from the visible Universe such as planets, stars and galaxies- to the invisible universe and the presence of dark energy and dark matter.
Condensed matter physics
Condensed matter physics is concerned with the understanding of the physical properties of solids and liquids, both naturally occurring and artificially produced.The understanding of the macroscopic properties, for example, magnetism and electrical resistance, is based on a statistical description of an astronomically large number of atoms.
Quantum Optics and Photonics
Quantum physics or quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that concerns the properties of substances at nuclear level. In 1913, the Danish physicist Niels Bohr developed his pioneering theory about the spectral lines of the hydrogen atom by assuming that energy came in quanta. This means that a quantum is the smallest conceivable quantity of energy in light waves.
Physics of Ice, Climate and Earth
The section for the Physics of Ice, Climate and Earth at the Niels Bohr Institute studies the elements of the Earth system – the atmosphere, oceans, ice sheets and glaciers, sea ice, and the solid Earth itself – and the interactions between them.
Biocomplexity & Biophysics
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary research area between physics and biology. Living nature and biological phenomena can be explored using the principles and methods applied in physics. For example, the theory of an electric circuit can be used to describe how signals are transmitted in the brain, and the laws of thermodynamics in physics can explain how nerves function and how sedatives act in the nerve cells.
eScience
eScience deals with scientific work method, where the computer is the central component. This will typically involve research with enormous amounts of data or computer simulations of experiments or observations.
Experimental particle physics
The Particle physicists work with the build up of matter in the early universe. They are searching for an explanation as to what the universe's smallest components were composed of in the first milliseconds after the Big Bang 14 billion years ago and what forces held them together.
Theoretical Particle Physics and Cosmology
The theoretical particle physics and cosmology group at the Niels Bohr Institute is involved in a wide scope of research activities centered around quantum theories of gauge fields, gravity and astrophysics.

Digital Worlds

Scientists at the Niels Bohr Institute merge physics and high-performance computing to expand our understanding of the universe in all its beauty and complexity.

Digital Worlds