The NURD Lab is a new research group in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham,
lead by Dr Patrick A. Robertson.
Our research focuses on developing a deeper understanding of how and why chemical reactions occur in the way that they do. The kinds of chemistry that we are interested in are reactions initiated by absoprtion of light and/or ionisation. These types of chemistries are found in a wide-range of natural contexts, such as the chemistry of our bodies, the Earth's atmosphere and the Interstellar Medium; as well as in technology-driven fields such as properties of functional materials or industrial plasma generation. Our hope is that this fundamental knowledge guides others towards the solutions to larger questions or challenges facing our society.
NURD Lab uses cutting-edge ultrafast laser techniques, custom-built mass spectrometers and charged-particle detection methods. We collaborate with other groups at international free electron laser facilities, and with experts in theoretical quantum chemistry.
Working with us will give you hands-on experience in any or all of, lasers, optics, high-vacuum instrumentation, method development, scientific programming in python, quantum chemical calculations, science communication and an introduction to an international network of physical chemistry and chemical physicists. If you're interested in getting involved at any level of study, please do get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.