Life, matter, the universe: a new institute is born

UCL is establishing an Institute for Origins to explore the origin and evolution of the universe. The institute will shortly be recruiting four Research Fellows and two PhD students, funded with £700,000 from the university's central fund.

The move is in line with the Wakeham Review of Physics to ensure the widest integration of physics within UCL, given that the subject is taught in four different departments across the university: Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Space and Climate Physics (based at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory).

As well as coordinating origins-based research across UCL, the institute will run teaching, workshops and symposia and will act as an internet platform for information on research and funding opportunities.

The institute will officially open next spring, with an anticipated launch in February. To find out more, please contact Professor Louise Harra, Director of the new institute, on 01483 204141 or 07747 397283.

Professor Louise Harra said: "This is a very exciting initiative, which will bring together researchers from a number of different disciplines from across UCL. We'll be adding more to the website as the initiative develops - in the meantime, if you'd like to find out more or get involved, please do get in touch."

To see the initial website for the institute, use the link at the top of the universe.