Bottoms up: QUASAR Group Joins Pint of Science 2025
QUASAR Group PhD student Angus took centre stage at Pint of Science 2025 in Liverpool, joining researchers and curious pub-goers for a night of engaging, bite-sized science talks.
The global science festival, held simultaneously in 27 countries, brings researchers to local bars to share their work in an informal, entertaining setting. As part of the “Shots of Science” lineup, Angus delivered a rapid-fire three-minute talk titled "What do particle accelerators and F1 cars have in common?"
In his talk, Angus explained KERS, the kinetic energy recovery technology used in F1 cars, and its equivalent in linear particle accelerators (LINAC): energy recovery LINACs (or ERLs); a type of energy-efficient accelerator that can use up to ten times less power than conventional machines. A highlight of his talk, met with plenty of laughter from the audience, was a playful live demonstration using a Thomas the Tank Engine train set to show how ERLs function.
Currently in the third year of his PhD, Angus focuses on machine diagnostics for ERLs within the QUASAR Group. He emphasized that as the drive for higher energies pushes physicists toward ever-larger machines and increasing power demands, energy-efficient technologies like ERLs are crucial for ensuring a more sustainable future in accelerator science and high-energy physics.
Audience feedback was enthusiastic, praising the talks as "super enjoyable and accessible”. Reflecting on the event, Angus said: “I really enjoyed Pint of Science – getting to present, meeting all the speakers, and watching all of the fab talks! Can’t wait for next year!”
Pint of Science continues to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the public - one pint at a time.
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/VRJJzIEvxbQ