Physics and Astronomy Section

The Physics and Astronomy Section organised the following events for the 2018 British Science Festival:

Exploding stars and colliding black holes

In 2017, seventy observatories simultaneously pointed their telescopes towards the same object to witness a ground-breaking event: the first visualisation of the source of gravitational waves. Stephen Smart detailed how recent technological advancements allow us to catch neutron star and black hole collisions in the act.

A dark and invisible world

One hundred years ago Richard Feynman- a pioneering researcher of sub-atomic particles- was born. Jon Butterworth looked at what's been achieved in our understanding of this invisible world and ponders: what mysteries remain? What can particle physics reveal about the Universe?

President 2018: Professor Jon Butterworth, University College London
President 2017: Professor Michele Dougherty, Imperial College London
President 2016: Professor Philip Diamond, University of Manchester
President 2015: Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Surrey
President 2014: Professor Louise Harra, University College London

Recorder: Dr. Chris Harrison, Durham University

Latest

Smaller, better, smarter: Q&A with Jessica Boland

Nanomaterials are essential for nanodevices, unbelievably small devices with the potential to transform ICT, healthcare, security, and energy usage. Alan Barker spoke to Dr Jessica Boland to find out why they are a potential game changer.
3 reasons to go to the British Science Festival

Our brilliant work experience student, Maryum Ahmed, shares her top events to see at the upcoming British Science Festival and gives you great reasons why you should be paying it a visit this year.
The dark heart of the ocean: Q&A with Diva Amon

Less than 1% of our deep ocean has been explored. But, just as we’re discovering one of the planet’s richest and most pristine ecosystems, we’re already wreaking havoc, with much bigger changes on the horizon. Alan Barker speaks to Diva Amon.
Unwell in unrest: Q&A with Mohammed Jawad

Dr Mohammed Jawad wants to change the way we think about war and its effects on public health. Alan Barker spoke to him ahead of his upcoming Award Lecture at the British Science Festival.

British Science Week 2019: Our partnership with Eurotunnel

For our 25th British Science Week we were delighted to partner with Eurotunnel who, in 2019, are also celebrating 25 years since the Channel Tunnel opened! Find out more here. Read more