Research in Physics, pre-PhD ('Casimir') (MSc)

Why Leiden University?

Casimir research school

The Casimir Research School (Casimir), established in 2004 by the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft and the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), aims for an improved education of young researchers towards a PhD degree. The research within the school is grouped into six themes, each covering theoretical, experimental and applied research areas at both Leiden and Delft. The set-up of the programme provides you with the opportunity to gain research experience in more than one department.

Education at a world class research institute

The Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) is one of the oldest physics institutes in the Netherlands. Renowned physicist like Lorentz, Kamerlingh-Onnes, Zeeman and van der Waals obtained their breakthrough results while working in Leiden.For over a century, many eminent scientists have been and are associated to LION as staff members, alumni and guests.  Building on this tradition, we perform physics research and provide physics education at the highest level. Therefore you can expect excellent education and cutting edge research in Physics during your master’s programme.

Experimental and Theoretical Physics

Experimental physics research covers two domains: Biological and Soft Matter, and Quantum Matter and Optics. The Instituut-Lorentz is the home of theoretical physics that tackles topics as diverse as condensed matter, biophysics, string theory, and cosmology. It is our aim to have parallel theoretical and experimental activities in those research areas that we cover. There is close collaboration of theorists with experimentalists on many of the topics.

Access to top research facilities

The Leiden Institute of Physics has access to a number of key facilities which enables our research groups and therefor students to do their innovatory research. Leiden Physicists  have access to facilities such as the microscopes in the new ultramicroscopy measurement hall in Leiden (low energy electron microscopes and state of the art cryogenic scanning probes microscopes), as well as world class quantum computation, quantum optics and biophysics instrumentation.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the basic disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes span the entire spectrum of science ranging from Mathematics and Statistical Science, Computer Science and Data Science, Astrophysics, Physics, Chemistry and Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences to Biology and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge, for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and relevance to society. 

Study guidance

Relatively few students are selected for this honors program, and one of the PIs (principle investigator, research leader) is acting as a study advisor for this program. The students receive extra guidance when it comes to the selection of a research group for their projects and for studying abroad. The research school has scholarships for a summerschool.