About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level physics students
Join us at Physics in Action this autumn for an inspiring day that takes physics beyond the classroom. Top physicists and expert communicators will share their passion and insight across a range of exciting topics, showing students where physics can take them — in study, research, and future careers.
The day also includes a special session on exam success, giving students practical tools and tips to help them excel. With polls, quizzes, and opportunities to put questions directly to the speakers, Physics in Action is a must for all KS5 physics students. Book now to secure your places!
Host: Greg Foot (Science Journalist, Presenter and Podcaster) Exam Session: Lewis Matheson (Physics Online)
“A really interesting and inspiring day for young physicists starting their academic journey.”
— Trinity Sevenoaks, Autumn 2024 —
Programme & speakers
Space Weather: Dancing Lights and Damaging Storms Suzie Imber, Professor of Planetary Science, University of Leicester
Suzie Imber explores the science behind space weather — the phenomenon behind beautiful auroras with the potential to cause damage and disruption to power grids, satellites, and humans in space. Discover what causes these events, why auroras are so frequent right now, how we can protect our infrastructure from damage, and what space weather looks like on other planets.
About Professor Suzie Imber
Suzie Imber is a Professor of Planetary Science, specialising in space weather and Mercury exploration, and is also a high-altitude mountaineer. She won BBC2’s Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? and now speaks regularly at festivals and events across the UK.
Body × Movement = Thrill Brendan Walker, Founder Director of Thrill Laboratory and Professor of Creative Industries at Middlesex University
What makes a rollercoaster thrilling — and how do engineers design that feeling? Join thrill engineer Brendan Walker as he unpacks the physics behind G-force, motion, and excitement. From the first loop-the-loop coasters with nurses on standby to the delights that a simulator’s six degrees of micro-motion can bring to future rides. Hold on to your seats – things are about to get interesting!
About Professor Brendan Walker
Brendan Walker is a Renaissance Showman – a technology-inspired performance artist described by The Times as “the world’s only Thrill Engineer”. He originally trained and worked as an aeronautical engineer, before practicing as a digital artist and ride designer. He is Professor of Creative Industries at Middlesex University and an established TV broadcaster.
Back to the Big Bang: Exploring the Universe with Particle Physics Kate Shaw, Experimental Particle Physicist, University of Sussex
Humans have always asked big questions about the Universe: Where did everything come from? What is everything made out of? Why is the Universe the way it is today? Particle physicist Kate Shaw will journey into the subatomic world to see how far we have come to answering these questions.
About Dr Kate Shaw
Kate is an experimental particle physicist at the University of Sussex. She works on the ATLAS experiment at CERN, and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, Dune, at Fermilab. Her research is focused on the physics top quark which is the heaviest known fundamental particle.
Deep Ocean Lab Greg Foot, Science Presenter and Communicator
What happens as you dive further and further into the dark ocean? Join Greg Foot for the story of his scientific adventure into the deep. Greg will welcome you into the high-tech submersible that took him to the crushing pressure of the Twilight Zone. From there you’ll dive even further and come face to face with a real creature from the deep!
About Greg Foot
Greg is a Science Journalist who has been writing, hosting & producing science content for 15+ years across TV, Radio, YouTube, Podcast, & Stage. He currently writes & hosts his popular BBC 4 show and podcast Sliced Bread and is a regular on BBC Morning live.
The Accidental Materials Scientist Anna Ploszajski, Materials Scientist, Writer and Storyteller
This is the story of an accidental materials scientist; accidentally studying materials science instead of physics at university, accidentally breaking stuff, accidentally leaving a microscope slide on a shelf for nine months and making a huge accidental discovery. My dad always tells me ‘you make your own luck’, but what if it all just happened by accident?
About Dr Anna Ploszajski
Anna Ploszajski is a materials scientist, author, presenter and science comedian who is on a mission to get people fascinated by the ordinary stuff which makes up the world around us. Her book Handmade tells the story of materials through their use in arts and crafts.