Better Business / Member news

City of Bristol College physics students visit CERN

By Bristol24/7  Wednesday Nov 8, 2023

City of Bristol College‘s A Level Physics students embarked on a thrilling three-day excursion to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the secrets of particle physics.

Their visit to CERN was facilitated by Dr. Elizabeth Cunningham, the particle and nuclear physics outreach manager at STFC, who offered valuable resources to prepare the students for the trip. The journey, led by lecturer Andy Mabey and study coach Ellie Gillis, included a tour of the Large Hadron Collider and interactive exhibitions, offering a glimpse into the world of particle physics.

During their visit, the students delved into profound questions about the universe’s origins and the fundamental building blocks of matter. They also gained a deeper understanding of the technical and engineering challenges faced by CERN’s multinational experimental collaborations, which have led to groundbreaking discoveries like the Higgs boson.

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The UK has been a member of CERN since its inception in 1954, allowing British researchers to play pivotal roles in CERN’s success. The students were guided by a CERN community member who shared personal experiences, highlighting the impact of such visits on young people’s educational and career choices.

Beyond their scientific exploration, the students immersed themselves in Swiss culture, exploring Geneva’s Old Quarter, visiting the History of Science Museum, and enjoying a cruise on Lake Geneva.

One student raved about the trip, describing it as “fantastic” and praising the balance of learning and relaxation. They marveled at the interactive nature of CERN, where they witnessed scientists at work and a captivating light show that explained the inner workings of the Large Hadron Collider.

For many students, this was their first international trip, and they were awestruck by the brilliance of the people working at CERN. The journey left them with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the world of scientific discovery, which they can now incorporate into their future education and career aspirations.

Main photo: City of Bristol College

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