We’re delighted to have won the South East Physics Network (SEPnet) Public Engagement Partnership Award for Big Data: ATLAS, our collaboration with the University of Oxford and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

The award recognises those that make an outstanding contribution to engagement. SEPnet does impressive work to increase engagement in physics, so it’s a real privilege to be noted.

Nearly 280 young people from 25 mostly state schools participated in Big Data: ATLAS this year. Students have learned analytical and coding methods used by particle physicists. They develop critical skills in statistical analysis, Python computer programming, data presentation and interpretation of ATLAS open-source data, including how to find evidence of the Higgs Boson.

Developed by IRIS, in conjunction with the University of Oxford and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the project, while challenging, is designed to support students who may not have come across particle physics or computer programming before. It is also hugely impactful for students already knowledgeable about these subjects. Students have done tremendously well, and their work really impressed us.