Physical Sciences | UC San Diego

09/10/2026

Congrats to Fleur Ferguson on receiving the 2026 Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize. The prize empowers investigators early in their careers to pursue their most high-impact projects at a critical stage when traditional funding is lacking. Read more about Fleur's work: https://bit.ly/4gJ5T2l

09/09/2026

A team of scientists, including physics alum Palka Puri, has developed a new understanding of how fish interact as they school in groups. Glassfish were found to copy their neighbors to align their movements within schools, giving new insight into how individuals interact to produce group-level collective behavior.

Scientists have developed a new understanding of how fish interact as they school in groups. Fish were found to copy their neighbors to align their movements within schools. The discovery opens a door to examining how the brains of individuals interact to produce group-level collective behavior.

09/08/2026

Often when STEM majors begin research and advanced courses, they are already expected to know how to critically read scientific research articles. A new book from UC San Diego astronomy professor Adam Burgesser and alumna Genevive Bjorn gives them the tools they need to master critical reading of scientific literature.

STEM majors are expected to know how to critically read scientific research, even if no one ever taught them how. UC San Diego alumni Genevive Bjorn and Adam Burgasser wrote “How to Critically Read the Scientific Research Literature: Introducing the CERIC Method” to help young researchers learn ...

09/01/2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting that the 2026/2027 El Niño could be among the strongest on record. Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego has a long history of researching, tracking and understanding El Niño events and impacts. Here are your questions about El Niño answered: https://bit.ly/4gluF8p

08/31/2026

Until now there was an upper limit to the energy produced by atoms irradiated with laser light. Now UC San Diego researchers have crossed the threshold using helium atoms and intense UV lasers.

Until now there was an upper limit to the energy produced by atoms irradiated with laser light. Now UC San Diego researchers have crossed the threshold using helium atoms and intense UV lasers.

08/28/2026

We are happy to announce that our dean of the School of Physical Sciences Christine Hrycyna will be UC San Diego's next executive vice chancellor. Read more about Chris's career and the role of the EVC here:

Christine A. Hrycyna has been appointed as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UC San Diego, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

08/27/2026

If you were the king of the seas, how would you spend your perfect summer day? https://bit.ly/3UVM6nz

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08/25/2026

Space is our jam!🪐 UC San Diego has launched a new microsite all about space. Highlighting all the ways we're leading the way in astronomy and astrophysics as well as life science, engineering and planetary science research. Take a look: https://bit.ly/4imC6gW

08/24/2026

A team of UC San Diego researchers will lead one of the Department of Energy’s new Genesis Mission projects focused on accelerating fundamental physics and by deploying intelligent AI agents. https://bit.ly/4qAKsnu

University of California San Diego researchers will lead one of the Department of Energy’s new Genesis Mission projects focused on accelerating fundamental physics and quantum computing by deploying intelligent AI agents.

08/21/2026

Scientists have long-wondered how sheets of cells begin to move together to form organs. UC San Diego researchers used live imaging, genetic experiments and mathematical modeling to understand how cells in the fruit fly egg chamber synchronize movement with each other.

Scientists have long-wondered how sheets of cells begin to move together to form organs. UC San Diego researchers used live imaging, genetic experiments and mathematical modeling to understand how cells in the fruit fly egg chamber synchronize movement with each other.