My research concerns the nature and physical properties of materials. As a theorist my goal is to
understand real materials, starting from the most basic and fundamental principles of quantum physics.
This can involve large scale computing, using Density Functional Theory, but also requires a range of
other mathematical tools from quantum gauge field theory, symmetry group analysis and, more recently,
mathematical aspects of topology. The goal is always focused on specific physical systems which are
being studied experimentally at the same time, and many of my papers are co-authored with
experimental colleagues. Specific systems on which I have worked have been high temperature
superconductors such as YBa2Cu3O7, which become superconducting at temperatures much higher than
ever achieved previously. I have also been fascinated by other aspects of superconducting materials,
which only occur at lower temperatures, but which have novelty or potential applications. These include
time reversal symmetry breaking (related to symmetries known in particle physics) or prospects of
superconducting electronic devices which could have applications in quantum information or for novel
types of magnetic information storage and ‘spintronics’ devices.