Much of my research is about testing whether the fundamental constants of nature are changing with space and time. The measurement of variations in these constants will provide important insights into the deepest questions of physics and cosmology, such as whether there are extra dimensions beyond our three, the nature of dark energy, and whether string theory is correct. Many experimental and observational groups worldwide are actively searching for variations in the fundamental constants, and have found tantalising traces of their existence.

Our group, headed by John Webb and Victor Flambaum at UNSW, have reported a spatial variation in the "fine-structure constant", α, based on measurements of quasar absorption spectra. This work combines many disciplines: spectroscopy, theoretical atomic physics, and astronomy. In addition, cosmologists like to spend time working out how fundamental physics can lead to a variation in fundamental constants.

• A relatively simple explanation of this result is presented here.
• Some media reports are listed here.
• More information about the project, and expecially about the astronomy side, is available at Michael Murphy's home page.