Twenty Physics and Chemistry A level students from Tretherras School experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they visited the facilities at CERN, Geneva, earlier this month. Highlights included visiting the “Anti-Matter Factory” where physicists are able to make anti-Hydrogen atoms, as well as one of the huge computer centres responsible for processing the vast amounts of data collected during the experiments.

“It was really inspiring, I’d love to work there one day” said one student. “It was cool hanging out with real scientists, some of whom have worked on revolutionary ideas in science and technology”, said another student when speaking of our guide, Dominique (a former Computer Scientist who helped pioneer the internet with Tim Berners-Lee, while working at CERN).

Students also had the chance to experience Swiss culture and food, and enjoy spending some time exploring the beautiful city of Geneva. The trip leader, Physics teacher Sam Frost said “It was an incredible opportunity for these students; CERN is at the forefront of science and technology, and so many important discoveries have been made there. I really hope we have inspired some of our students to want to enter the field of science as a future career.”