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XMaS: The UK Materials Science Facility at the ESRF

XMaS Scientist Experience

Project Background

Launched in 2015, the XMaS Scientist Experience is a nationwide opportunity for any female/female-identifying Year 12 UK Physics students to join us on an all-expenses-paid 4-day trip to the ESRFLink opens in a new window in Grenoble, France, at the end of June/beginning of July. Our aim is to encourage students to consider science careers, foster a sense of community, encourage self-belief. We don’t need applicants to already excel at physics, but we do want students who are curious about the world around them, who are creative and keen to learn more about science and who are willing to share their enthusiasm. Through this trip we take students out of the classroom and show them science in a real-world application, with the aim of sparking an enthusiasm for the wonder of science. It is a tremendous opportunity to see how far a career in science can take them.

Taking place on 28th June to the 02nd July 2025, students will experience what life might be like as an international research scientist, visiting the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, to be shown around the beamlines by real-life female scientists, as well as taking part in the Synchrotron@School ProgrammeLink opens in a new window.

They will also get the opportunity to chat to amazing female scientists who live and work in Grenoble and also do a little bit of sight seeing in this beautiful French city.

There are sixteen places available, applications are welcome from female/female-identifying Year 12 UK Physics students. It is an all-expenses-paid trip - so travel, hotels and food are all covered by XMaS!

Watch the videoLink opens in a new window that was made by the ESRF team in July 2017.

Applicants will be expected to have an in-date passport, be able to gain any relevant visas, and be available from 28th June to the 02nd July 2025.

  • ESRF Visitor Centre

    Arriving at the ESRF visitor centre for the Scientist Experience.

  • Tours of the Beamlines

    Tours of the beamlines at the ESRF, including XMaS - BM28

  • Starting the Experiments

    Students begin their experiments at Synchrotron@School during Scientist Experience.

  • Seeing the Labs!

    Students get the opportunity to see inside the labs at the ESRF.

  • Team Dinner

    Out for a team dinner on the trip - lots of delicious options!

  • Sight-Seeing

    Amazing views at the top of the cable cars in Grenoble.

How to Apply: The competition will open on 01st December 2024, so check back then for more details!

Using the online application form please complete the following questions:

  • Research and write an essay on "subject to be decided". (500 words max)
  • Making reference to our "publication to be decided" (see link below) and any XMaS newsletters, what science has the XMaS project facilitated? (500 words max)
  • Why is this trip important for you and your future career? (250 words max)

You must have your parent's/guardian's permission to apply to this competition.

Applications for the 2025 trip will open in December 2024.

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