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Experimental Physics
Institute of
Experimental Physics

Photo: CERN

Inst. of Experimental Physics

Outreach

Our group is strongly engaged in various science outreach activities aiming at sharing our scientific methods and results with people outside the research community. We see this as an important way to promote public awareness of science, communicate our enthusiams to a wider audience and motivate young people to enter the STEM field.

We are particularly involved in the following projects:

  • The Netzwerk Teilchenwelt is a Germany-wide network of over 30 universities and research institutes involved in particle physics research. As part of so-called ‘master classes’ we introduce young high school students and teachers to our research with the CMS experiment and the underlying physics. In the unique environment of the Bahrenfeld campus, the students do hands-on research in particle physics over the course of one day: first they are introduced to the physics of accelerators and detectors, then they learn about the building blocks of the Standard Model, and finally they can use real data from the CMS detector to prove the existence of the Higgs particle. Often these masterclasses are the first opportunity for students to learn about physics beyond the standard curriculum and experience what it means to be a researcher. Local B. Sc. and M. Sc. students have the opportunity to act as facilitators to inspire participants about their research and passion.
  • The Physik-Projekt-Tage are a project in Hamburg that has been organized by members of our group and DESY for several years. It is aimed at female high schools students who are carrying out research projects on the Bahrenfeld campus. Over three days, they can gain their first research experience in several smaller science projects. For example, members of our group offer a project on the study of the Higgs particle using real data from the Large-Hadron-Collider (LHC). In this way, the students gain insights into current research topics outside of standard physics lessons at their school. The science program is complemented by an attractive social program that enables networking with other female students and local researchers.

We also participate in the following programs with public lectures and presentations: