gunn-mike

It has been a turbulent year. At the start and through to the middle of the year: preparing for the government inspection of our research over the last six years (Research Excellence Framework, REF), with some new appointments arriving, and many national and international prizes recognising School academic staff. With many congratulations to:

And then there was the pandemic. This has disrupted teaching, examinations and, especially experimental, research, consuming time and producing anxiety. We have survived and are well on the way to constructing a vibrant new academic year, albeit of a slightly abnormal nature. The pandemic has also produced some opportunities: new collaborations with the Medical School have sprung up which will outlast the current period.

Finally, I’d like to say a big thank you those of you who have kindly volunteered with the School over the academic year. This includes mentors, providing careers advice and professional expertise, writing articles on your careers or University memories, and featuring at Open Days. Thank you, you've made a real impact here. If you'd like to get involved too, please get in touch with our Alumni Relations Manager, Grace Surman on eps-community@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

With best wishes,

Professor Mike Gunn
Head of School, Physics and Astronomy

Read the 2020 Physics and Astronomy Alumni Newsletter here.