Physics Department News

Earlier this July, we proudly hosted our annual Scientist Experience trip funded by the X-Ray Material Science Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)Link opens in a new window in Grenoble.

The trip offers sixteen female Year 12 Physics students from across the UK a once in a lifetime, all-expenses paid opportunity to visit the prestigious European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

The trip takes students out of the classroom and gives them the opportunity to learn more about cutting-edge research and scientific careers, and the chance to speak to inspirational female scientists at the forefront of innovation.

By taking part in the Synchrotron@SchoolLink opens in a new window programme the students get to conduct real experiments and present their findings to each other. The trip is an opportunity to meet like-minded students, build a network and long-lasting friendships. There's also some spare time to enjoy the beautiful city of Grenoble!

Picture (left) 3 students undertaking an experiment, (top right) Group photo with a view of Grenoble, (bottom right) Students chatting to female scientists over lunch.

Each year the feedback from students is that they feel leaving inspired, confident, and excited about the possibilities within Physics - opening doors to future opportunities they hadn't imagined. This trip funded by the XMaS project is all about sparking curiosity, breaking boundaries, and building a more inclusive future in science.

View the video of our 2025 trip on social media.Link opens in a new window