Ever wondered how you can measure the speed of light with marshmallows or wanted to find out more about the largest telescope on Earth? The Department of Physics opened its doors for its annual Stargazing event on Saturday 25 January and welcomed some 1,209 keen and curious visitors of all ages.
Outreach news
1 November 2019
How do we transform our research from something hidden in our labs into a technology you can use? In October, we shared some of our secrets through our Physics: Lab to Life initiative as part of the IF Oxford science festival. We opened our doors to some 200 curious teenagers and adults so they could find out more about physics and how it impacts daily life. Visitors were able to listen to lectures as well as take tours of our laboratories and speak to the physicists themselves about their work, how they go about it and what impact it might have on society.
18 October 2019
Researchers worked with young people and community groups in Oxford to design and build colourful creations inspired by our exciting space-related science for this year’s Cowley Road Carnival, thanks to funding from STFC.
The carnival takes place every year and regularly attracts 50,000 people. This year’s event, which was held on 7th July 2019, had the theme of ‘Space is the Place’ and celebrated the exciting work being carried out by scientists in and around Oxford, and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing in July 1969.
20 September 2019
Scientists at the University of Oxford are working with students to write new GCSE and A-level maths practice questions that help to integrate climate change into the school curriculum.
23 July 2019
Quantum 101 was an exciting opportunity for students, aged 12-15, to explore the weird and wonderful world of quantum physics. Students had the chance to work with researchers in the field of quantum physics and explore some of its real-world applications now and in the future.
Dr Kathryn Boast, Quantum Materials Outreach Officer, comments on why she got involved with the day.
9 April 2019
The way we understand the universe is influenced by many women both past and present, so during British Science Week we ran a “Women in Astronomy” study day for 57 girls aged 13-16 years, providing them with the opportunity to find out more about women in astronomy and their amazing work. Participants gained insight into how we study the cosmos and they had the opportunity to meet women astronomers working in Oxford. The event aimed to promote women into astronomy and allowed the girls to consider whether a career in astronomy might be for them!
14 March 2019
To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Oxford Physics held its second annual girls-in-STEM event (science, technology, engineering and maths). ‘Marie Curious’ brings together 100 local girls aged 11-14 and 30 scientists for a day of interactive science including hands-on workshops, a panel discussion and a science show about light! You can see more photos from the day here.
5 March 2019
The International Masterclasses in Particle Physics is a program which brings school students into research institutes to learn about particle physics from researchers working at CERN, and to spend a day analysing real data from the experiments to search for signs of new particles. Oxford Physics participated in this on two days in March, allowing over 40 students to experience a day working as a particle physicist.
20 February 2019
The annual MPLS Impact Awards aim to foster and raise awareness of impact by rewarding it at a local level, and prepare the ground for the impact case studies that will be needed for REF 2021, and future similar exercises. This year’s awards were presented at the MPLS Winter Reception on the 19th February at Mansfield College, with the winners receiving a pay award of £1,000.
Congratulations to Oxford Physicist Dr Sam Henry who won the award for Public Engagement with Research Impact.
15 January 2019
The Royal Astronomical Society has given the Galaxy Zoo team – including the volunteers who have made the project the success it is – their Group Achievement Award for 2019.
Citation for the 2019 RAS Group Achievement Award:
