The University of Glasgow's particle-physics research and theory groups have hosted 120 secondary-school students and staff for a 'masterclass' in the frontiers of physics.

The event, on 11 June, was the first such Masterclass visit since the Covid-19 lockdowns put a pause to the once-annual gathering in the University of Glasgow's School of Physics & Astronomy.

A picture of a group of high schoool students attending a particle physics 'masterclass' at the University of Glasgow's School of Physics & Astronomy

Students from 18 schools, from Prestwick to Perth, Edinburgh to Thurso, and particularly drawn from the greater Glasgow area, joined together for talks on subatomic physics, a live link to the CERN laboratory, and for hands-on sessions identifying particle decays and measuring properties of the electron using UofG physics degree equipment.

Professor Andy Buckley, the event's organiser, said: "It's been a fantastic experience getting school students back into our building, and showing them the ideas and technology we work with. Many schools lack the resources to demonstrate these things in school, so it's really a privilege for us to be able to enhance their learning, as well as provide a fun day out."

Further Masterclass events are set to take place in future, and UofG Particle Physics researchers are also available to visit schools in the Glasgow area on request.

First published: 14 June 2024

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