The expertise of the Durham group is in X-ray spectroscsopy of accreting 
black holes (Galactic and AGN) and neutron stars, using advanced models 
of the radiation processes to fit observational data and so constrain theoretical descriptions of the accretion flow. In particular we have extensive 
experience in using physically based continuum models to determine the 
accretion geometry both from detailed study of individual spectra and from
statistical descriptions of large samples of objects. This spectroscopic analysis complements the focus on variability of the Amsterdam group, and these observational data provide input to the theoretical accretion flow and jet  models of the groups at MPE, QMW, Southampton and Warsaw. The Durham and Cambridge groups both bring the combination of theoretical and observational expertise which is the key to understanding the accretion processes. 

Dr Chris Done will be the key staff involved with training, with 10% FTE
on the project. She has longstanding interests in accretion physics, with
85 research papers in refereed journals in this field since 1988, several of which have over 100 citations. Almost all these papers have been written jointly with others, and many represent the result of training graduate students and postdoctoral workers.

The Department of Physics in Durham is one of the foremost Physics 
departments in the UK. In the latest round of the HEFCE QUality Assurance 
Agency national assessment of University teaching standards the 
department received the maximum possible rating of 24. Also, for the 
second year running, Durham ranked top in the Times survey of UK Physics 
and Astronomy departments. There are about 50 permament academic staff, 
together with a similar number of postdoctoral staff and approximately 60 
graduate students. This forms a truely international community, with 
representatives from over 14 countries. 

The Department  contains all the standard facilities. 
Postgraduate students are given a computer, desk and office space. The 
Astronomy group has its own dedicated network, together with computing 
staff to support the extensive range of software used for this project.



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 Dr Chris Done,                    Email:   Chris.Done@Durham.ac.uk
 Department of Physics,            Tel (national):     0191 374 3804
 University of Durham,             (International):  44 191 374 3804
 Science Laboratories,             
 South Road, Durham,               Fax (national):     0191 374 3749
 DH1 3LE, ENGLAND.                 (International):  44 191 374 3749
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