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About this Guide
The purpose of this guide is to help you with studies and research projects related to physics. On this page, you'll find information about the research process, tips for searching in the library, and places to find research ideas. You can use the menu on the left hand side to find resources on a specific topic, citation and writing help, and research tips for when you're feeling stuck. This guide is continuously updated, so check back for more resources or make suggestions using the Guide Feedback box on the left-hand side of the page. You can always contact your subject librarian for more assistance.
The Research Process
Understanding the research process will help you create a plan and help you focus your research. The steps below are a guide to the overall process and are a starting point. For more information, visit our Getting Started With Research guide.
Get Ideas for Research
One way to generate topic ideas is to look at news sources or industry websites to see what topics might be raising questions in the community. Looking at news sources or blog posts will also help you collect background information on a topic and understand how different areas of study intersect with the question at hand. Below, you'll find some physics-focused feeds that can help you choose a research topic.
- Conflicting measurements of helium’s charge radius may be reconciled by new calculationsThis link opens in a new window Theorists move quickly to explain discrepancy The post Conflicting measurements of helium’s charge radius may be reconciled by new calculations appeared first on Physics World. Jun 20, 2025
- Simulation of capsule implosions during laser fusion wins Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Outstanding Paper PrizeThis link opens in a new window The work is an important step to understanding the physics at the heart of inertial confinement fusion The post Simulation of capsule implosions during laser fusion wins <em>Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion</em> Outstanding Paper Prize appeared first on Physics World. Jun 20, 2025
- AI algorithms in radiology: how to identify and prevent inadvertent biasThis link opens in a new window A multidisciplinary research team shares tips on how to mitigate bias in artificial intelligence models used in radiology The post AI algorithms in radiology: how to identify and prevent inadvertent bias appeared first on Physics World. Jun 20, 2025
- Helgoland: leading scientists reflect on 100 years of quantum physics and look to the futureThis link opens in a new window This podcast comes from the birthplace of modern quantum mechanics The post Helgoland: leading scientists reflect on 100 years of quantum physics and look to the future appeared first on Physics World. Jun 19, 2025
- Laser World of Photonics showcases cutting-edge optical innovationThis link opens in a new window Attendees at this year’s Laser World of Photonics trade show can discover the latest trends in photonics technology, attend workshops and technical presentations, and interact with industry professionals The post Laser World of Photonics showcases cutting-edge optical innovation appeared first on Physics World. Jun 19, 2025
- Curiosity Blog, Sols 4577-4579: Watch the SkiesThis link opens in a new window Written by Deborah Padgett, OPGS Task Lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Earth planning date: Friday, June 20, 2025 During the plan covering Sols 4575-4576, Curiosity continued our investigation of mysterious boxwork structures on the shoulders of Mount Sharp. After a successful 56-meter drive (about 184 feet), Curiosity is now parked in a trough cutting […] Jun 20, 2025
- Curiosity Blog, Sols 4575-4576: Perfect Parking SpotThis link opens in a new window Written by Lucy Thompson, APXS Collaborator and Senior Research Scientist at the University of New Brunswick Earth planning date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Not only did our drive execute perfectly, Curiosity ended up in one of the safest, most stable parking spots of the whole mission. We often come into the start of planning hoping […] Jun 20, 2025
- NASA Tech to Use Moonlight to Enhance Measurements from SpaceThis link opens in a new window NASA will soon launch a one-of-a-kind instrument, called Arcstone, to improve the quality of data from Earth-viewing sensors in orbit. In this technology demonstration, the mission will measure sunlight reflected from the Moon— a technique called lunar calibration. Such measurements of lunar spectral reflectance can ultimately be used to set a high-accuracy, universal standard for […] Jun 20, 2025
- NASA’s LRO Views ispace HAKUTO-R Mission 2 Moon Lander Impact SiteThis link opens in a new window On June 11, NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) captured photos of the site where the ispace Mission 2 SMBC x HAKUTO-R Venture Moon (RESILIENCE) lunar lander experienced a hard landing on June 5, 2025, UTC. RESILIENCE was launched on Jan. 15 on a privately funded spacecraft. LRO’s right Narrow Angle Camera (one in a suite […] Jun 20, 2025
- NASA Air Taxi Passenger Comfort Studies Move ForwardThis link opens in a new window NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility vision involves the skies above the U.S. filled with new types of aircraft, including air taxis. But making that vision a reality involves ensuring that people will actually want to ride these aircraft – which is why NASA has been working to evaluate comfort, to see what passengers will and won’t […] Jun 20, 2025
Physics Organizations
Keep up with physics news and trends through professional organizations. These are often places to check for jobs and professional development opportunities post-graduation.
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American Physical SocietyThe American Physical Society is a general Physics organization. Check out the jobs section of the web site.
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Biophysical SocietyThe society leads the the development and dissemination of biophysics knowledge.