In September 2015, the Computational Physics group was awarded an Education Prize by the university board. The award recognised the group's efforts in revitalising undergraduate science teaching through the seamless integration of computational methods into the curriculum.

Computational physics has transformed how students and researchers explore physical systems that cannot be solved by analytical methods alone. By combining theoretical foundations with numerical simulation, this field enables the study of phenomena ranging from the quantum mechanical behavior of matter to the large-scale dynamics of neutron stars. The integration of computing into the physics curriculum has opened new pathways for understanding complex systems, allowing scientists to predict and visualize processes that would otherwise remain hidden. This approach bridges the gap between abstract theory and observable reality, making physics more accessible and engaging for learners at every level while preparing them for research environments where computation is essential.

The research scope within computational physics spans an impressive range of scales and systems. From quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics to dense matter physics and the hydrodynamics of fluid flow through porous media, simulation methods provide insight where traditional experiments are impossible or impractical. Researchers develop and apply sophisticated algorithms to model neutron star interiors, track the movement of liquids through complex materials, and simulate the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. These computational approaches complement both theoretical work and laboratory experiments, creating a more complete understanding of physical reality across multiple domains of inquiry.

Educational innovation in computational physics has earned significant recognition for its impact on undergraduate science teaching. By embedding computational methods directly into the curriculum, students gain hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in modern research. This approach moves beyond textbook exercises to engage learners in authentic problem-solving, where they write code, visualize results, and interpret simulations alongside traditional analytical work. The emphasis on active learning through computation has revitalized physics education, making abstract concepts tangible and preparing students for careers in research, industry, and technology where computational skills are increasingly valued.

Modern computational physics relies on a diverse ecosystem of software tools and computing environments. Open-source platforms and scripting languages allow researchers to build simulations from the ground up, while specialized libraries handle everything from linear algebra to parallel processing. Visualization plays a crucial role, transforming raw numerical data into meaningful representations that reveal patterns and insights. High-performance computing clusters enable simulations at scales ranging from molecular dynamics to astrophysical phenomena. The continuous development of better algorithms and more efficient code drives progress across the field, allowing physicists to tackle problems of ever-increasing complexity and realism.

Professor Anders-Malthe Sørenssen received a national education prize in January 2015. The award highlighted his contributions to modernising physics education and his commitment to bringing computational approaches into the classroom.

Milad Mobarhan shared his work on creating a 3D neuron scene using Blender, showcasing the intersection of computational visualisation and neuroscience within the group's activities.

Svenn-Arne Dragly represented the University of Oslo at the education fair held in Oslo Spektrum, presenting the Computational Physics programme to prospective students and showcasing the group's teaching philosophy.

In November 2014, the group published practical guidance on selecting appropriate open-source code licenses for research software, along with step-by-step instructions for setting up MCALab on Ubuntu systems.

Members of the group shared solutions for common development environment issues, including configuring QtCreator keybindings and troubleshooting GDB debugger problems when working with GCC-compiled code.