Accelerator science showcased at international Symposium
Particle accelerators have numerous applications across many fields including fundamental research, healthcare, electronics, environment and energy but, despite the significant role that accelerators play in our daily lives, the field of accelerator science and technology remains largely unknown to most people.
This event aimed to inspire students with the possibilities of this rapidly evolving research field.
An international Symposium 'Accelerators for Science and Society' that took place at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre on Friday 28 June 2019, aimed to inspire students with the possibilities of this rapidly evolving field and provided insight into the economic, scientific and societal benefits of particle accelerators. The event was hailed a great success with delegates comprising of 100 researchers from across Europe and 150 students and teachers from local high schools.
Renowned speakers such as Dr Michael Doser (CERN) and Prof Maria Fasli (University of Essex) provided a unique insight into how particle accelerators are used for antimatter research and how data plays a crucial role in accelerator-based experiments, as well as for society on a daily basis. Dr Simon Jolly (UCL) gave a talk about ion beam-based cancer therapy and explained the many challenges that are being addressed within the OMA project.
Curtis Jobling discussing the importance of thinking creatively.
In addition, international best-selling author and educator Curtis Jobling highlighted the importance of art and thinking creatively alongside studying STEM subjects and how this combination drives innovation across society.
Finally, Prof Carsten Welsch, head of the QUASAR Group, who leads the H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie training networks AVA and OMA, as well as the doctoral training centre LIVDAT on big data science which are behind the event, presented the very successful approach to researcher training that was established through the DITANET, oPAC and LA3NET projects and is now used for the three training programs that organized the event.
All talks were live-streamed to institutions across Europe and are now available to watch via the event website.
Early stage researchers from all three training initiatives presented their research in the form of posters and gave young delegates the opportunity to experience science up close through a number of interactive demonstrations that the scientists developed specifically for this event.
Young delegates had the opportunity to experience science up close.
Professor Welsch said: “The QUASAR Group has been leading the training of the next generation of researchers since 2008 through the coordination of the DITANET, oPAC, LA3NET, OMA, AVA and LIVDAT projects. These programmes have successfully trained more than 100 experts that went on to work around the world in both academia and industry. It is fantastic to see the outstanding research results that have stemmed from our three most recent training initiatives and how our Fellows engaged with the next generation of scientists and engineers at the Symposium.
The speakers provided an excellent overview of the many applications that particle accelerators have made possible in our everyday lives and in particular of how the use, handling and analysis of data impacts on science and society.”
More information and all talks can be accessed via the event homepage