School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews

28/08/2026

Congratulations to Dr Graham Bruce for being appointed Royal Society of Edinburgh Young Academy of Scotland. Graham leads a research group developing light-based measurement technologies, with work spanning fundamental optical physics and applications including the identification of arsenic-containing historic books and the authentication of whisky through sealed bottles.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Young Academy of Scotland. Much of my work involves bringing together people with different expertise to solve practical problems, whether that’s improving safety in heritage collections, helping establish advanced photonics capability in Ghana, or developing new measurement technologies.

Five St Andrews colleagues join RSE Young Academy of Scotland Thursday 27 August 2026 The Royal Society of Edinburgh Young Academy of Scotland (YAS) has announced the appointment of 48 new members. Among the new cohort are five colleagues from the University of St Andrews, representing approximately...

28/08/2026

🎉 Orientation is almost here!

Ready to make the most of your first few weeks at St Andrews? Visit our Orientation website for everything you need to know before you arrive.

🗓️ Explore key dates, events, and activities
📍 Find essential information for settling into university life
📲 Download the Orientation app and plan your schedule

Find out more 👇

🔗 https://ow.ly/qgXx50ZBswK

28/08/2026

🚨 Astronomy cuts update 🚨

Next Tuesday (1 September) a debate about the ongoing funding crisis affecting astronomy and other strategically important areas of UK science will take place in Westminster Hall from 1-1.30pm. 🗣️🔭

The RAS welcomes the debate and is encouraging all Fellows to contact their MPs to urge them to attend. ✍️

Find out more 👉️ https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/astronomy-cuts-be-discussed-westminster

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

Students often ask how they can connect with alumni in a field they're interested in, working for a particular employer, or living and working in a country they’d like to find out more about.

It’s not always easy or natural reaching out cold - which is why you'll love Coffee Connect.

Coffee Connect is a popular, award-winning programme (delivered by the Development Office in partnership with the Careers Centre) that matches you up with an alumnus/alumna to have a relaxed chat over virtual coffee, discuss career matters, and grow your network. One of the big benefits is that the Careers Centre takes the stress out of networking by making the connection for you.

Applications open on Monday 7th September and are open to all registered undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of St Andrews - find out more at https://ow.ly/9h6N50ZCnU8 (Instagram: link in bio)

A couple of heads-ups, by the way:

First, Coffee Connect is a limited-time opportunity - so don't miss the boat!

Second, as all pairings and communication takes place through the University’s Saint Connect platform, you’ll need to join Saint Connect to participate.

Image description:
Testimonial for Coffee Connect: text reads "My experience with Coffee Connect was wonderful! I’ve built a meaningful relationship with my mentor and learned so much about myself as a student and opportunities in future career paths. I am looking forward to signing up for Coffee Connect again and forging connections with St Andrews alumni" (Coffee Connect mentee, 2024-25).
The Coffee Connect logo is featured at the bottom of the graphic.

24/08/2026

Join us on Monday 24th August and Monday 31st August at 7 Woodburn Place for two end-of-summer Mini Give Aways, 4:30 - 6pm!

All welcome, and all free - except adult clothes, which you can swap for or cost £1 (only!).

We hope to see you there!

20/08/2026

Congratulations to Alfie Russell for passing his viva on his thesis titled 'Exploring Modified Gravity Beyond Galactic Rotation Curves.'

20/08/2026

Edible Campus Sessions for this week! Come and enjoy some relaxing garden time 😊Ali will be elsewhere on Wednesday so extra watering help would be great, If the gate is locked, please contact a porter who will let you in!

19/08/2026

Last week we met a truly inspirational teacher from a local primary school.

She was told by her school that there wasn't sufficient budget to create planters to grow vegetables and other plants with the pupils. The planters were also meant to create a secure area at the classroom door so that the children could safely access the outdoors during class time.

And look how she has made this happen! With unwanted metal filing cabinets. Thank you to the University for sharing one of theirs!

Planting veg and cooking with it is a big part of the curriculum. It helps with so much - planting and watching things grow, learning what plants need to thrive, learning about where food comes from, tasting different things and of course the science bit of cooking and social eating.

The magic of Reuse is finding value in items no longer wanted for their original purpose.