Future Scientists Learn at CERN

Science students at Cronton Sixth Form College had a fascinating learning experience during a visit to CERN in Geneva, the biggest physics laboratory in the world.

CERN is home to the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider, the Hadron Collider and employs around 10,000 physicists, engineers and computer scientists. Cronton’s young scientists travelled to Switzerland for the three-day excursion to experience the facility first hand.

The group enjoyed a grand tour of the site, including a 360-degree multimedia experience which traced the history of the universe. They then enjoyed an expert talk from a CERN research scientist, saw some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers and got to see the Antiproton Decelerator, a unique machine which allows for studies of antimatter.

The students also received valuable information of possible career paths that they can progress onto after College and were given the opportunity to question some of the CERN scientists to find out about their career journeys.

The group also had the chance to take in the Swiss culture; enjoying an evening of Swiss music in a nearby restaurant where they dined on fondue. They also spent time doing fun activities such as curling and visits to Geneva’s two science museums.

Cronton Physics tutor David Petticrew said, “This trip was a great opportunity for our students to observe this outstanding research facility and get a closer look at the fascinating everyday life of a scientist. We have had nothing but positive feedback from the students on the trip and they returned to College extremely motivated for their upcoming exams.”