University hosts regional festival of physics

The Festival of Physics begins on Saturday 21 November at the Northcott Theatre and brings together leading international physicists to debate key developments on topics including climate change, astrophysics and meteorology.

The University is hosting the festival on behalf of the Institute of Physics and this year will focus on how light is used in medicine and astronomy in celebration of the International Year of Light. There will also be a special physics-based comedy performance about love in a subatomic world.

The event is the second of its kind in the South West and will be opened by the Institute of Physics President, Professor Roy Sambles, an expert in experimental physics at the University.

Professor Sambles, said: “This Saturday the University of Exeter once again hosts an even better 'Festival of Physics'. Open to all, this event showcases world-class work on astrophysics, meteorology and climate change as well as the use of light in medicine.

“It is a privilege to play my small part in opening the festival which aims to bring together the excitement of physics to all”.

The festival also includes a ‘Three Minute Wonder’ competition which sees early career physicists from regional universities sharing their research in a bid to win a cash prize.

Miranda Addey from the Institute of Physics regional office, said: “This will be bigger and better than last year and there will be something for everyone with an interest in science.

“The speakers are all fantastic and the play on Sunday is brilliant, hugely entertaining but educational as well. It’s genuinely a fun insight into particle physics.”

The Festival of Physics takes place between 21 and 22 November and brings together physics researchers, experts and students in a celebration and exploration of physics research. All events within the festival programme are free and open to staff, students and members of the public.

Details of the festival programme and registration for tickets are available here.