Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the role of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP). We welcome applications from those with research interests in the broad field of particle physics phenomenology. Applications are encouraged from all areas that complement and strengthen the internationally recognised research activities of the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, including collider phenomenology, Higgs physics and QCD, neutrino and flavour physics, beyond the Standard Model and astro-particle physics.   The contact for all academic/research questions and details of the post is the IPPP Director valya.khoze@durham.ac.uk The deadline for applications is 28th September 2026. The university advert is available here: https://durham.taleo.net/careersection/du_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=26000998&tz=GMT%2B01%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FLondon

Durham physicist Professor Valery Khoze has been elected to the Academia Europaea, one of Europe’s most prestigious academic bodies. The honour recognises his outstanding contributions to theoretical particle physics and his international standing as a leading figure in the field. Founded in 1988, the Academia Europaea brings together excellence from across the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, mathematics, medicine and the natural and technological sciences. Election is by peer review and reflects both academic distinction and sustained impact.

On 25 March 2026, the IPPP welcomed 92 sixth form students and 7 teachers to Durham University for this year’s International Particle Physics Masterclass, organised by Jessica Turner. The event brought together students from five schools — Gosforth Academy, Cramlington Learning Village, Thirsk School and Sixth Form College, Newcastle School for Boys, and Durham Sixth Form Centre — as well as one individual parent and student who travelled from London, for a day of discovery, discussion, and hands-on science. The morning began with a lively particle physics card game, which encouraged students to think creatively about the building blocks of matter and how physicists organise the particles of the Standard Model. This was followed by a series of introductory talks that set the scene for the day. Zara Graham-Jones spoke about Why Neutrinos Matter, Dr Ivan Martinez Soler gave a talk on What is the Universe Made of?, and Dhruv Pasari introduced the afternoon activity with a...

  Valya Khoze was elected by the IPPP members and confirmed by Durham University and the IPPP Steering Committee to replace Michael Spannowsky and will start as director from 1st of March 2026.

After six years at the helm of the IPPP Michael Spannowsky stepped down from his post as Director on the 28th of February 2026. All IPPP members would like to thank him for his tireless efforts leading the institute and raising its recognition nationally and internationally and wish him all the best in his new post in Karlsruhe. From the first of March 2026 Valya Khoze will take over the Director post.