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REPRESENTING
PHYSICS
2023

Welcome!

We are super excited to bring to Year 11 and Year 12 London students of Black heritage a summer experience of physics like no other!

As a network of Black British physicists, we are passionate about increasing Black representation and sharing the many cool and lucrative opportunities that physics at school and beyond can offer you!

So, we have linked up with some real big-hitters to put on a totally free, three-day experience of physics – with loads of extra surprises in store. Find out more details below!

Where & when?

The three-day programme will be hosted by us at three different institutions. This is a non-residential programme, which means that you will need to travel to and from The Blackett Laboratory (the Physics Department) at Imperial College London for each day of the programme.

Activities will take place at the following locations:

  • Monday 31 July, 2023 – The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, South Kensington
  • Tuesday 1 August, 2023 – National Physical Laboratory, Teddington
  • Wednesday 2 August, 2023 – Institute of Physics, King's Cross, London

Travel expenses will be fully covered. Transport for the trip to the National Physical Laboratory, and to the Institute of Physics, will be arranged by us.

Am I eligible?

We recognise the fact that people like us are severely underrepresented among those studying physics and working in physics-related fields. Our mission is to change that! We encourage you to apply if you are:

Please do apply even if you are not totally sure whether physics is right for you but want to know more before committing to your next steps!

What will I do?

+ Experience physics at uni

Yes, that means cool lectures on quantum mechanics, experiments in undergraduate labs and fun group projects at Imperial College London!

+ Examine physics in action

We've got you access to the National Physical Laboratory to check out the latest cutting-edge research! You'll also get to chat with Black physicists who are still in the field as well as those that branched out into other areas like finance, law, and music!

+ Explore physics & identity

You'll reflect on Black identity in physics at the swanky central London Institute of Physics offices, learning about significant Black British physicists and their contributions, followed by a programme graduation and celebration event!

What will I get?

All expenses covered
including food and travel (we got you!)

Exclusive, free merch
that you'll actually want
– trust us!

University, apprenticeship and career advice
provided by experts

A chance to meet and vibe
with fellow and like-minded students

Great material
to add to your CV, cover letters and personal statement

An authentic Black-centered experience
designed for us, by us

How do I apply?

Click on the link below, which will take you to an application form.
It will ask you for:

  • Your personal and contact details (so we can inform you of the outcome of your application)
  • Contact details for your parent / guardian (so they can register you for the programme, if successful)
  • Your school and a nominated teacher (so they can provide a supporting reference)
  • Additional information about your studies (so we know where you're at)
  • Information about why you would like to attend Representing Physics 2023 (150-200 words)

Key dates

  • Applications open

  • Instagram Live Q&A

  • Applications close

  • Teacher references deadline

  • Decisions announced & registration opens

  • Representing Physics 2023 begins!

FAQs

We are a network of UK based Black physicists. Our mission is to diversify perceptions of physics and promote Black representation at all levels in the field.

Our company directors Jonathan Lansley-Gordon (Education Consultant and former Assistant Headteacher), Benyam Dejen (Researcher at the National Physical Laboratory) and Sophie Martin (Doctoral Researcher) will be supervising students on the three-day programme and will be in charge of overseeing activities.

The programme is totally free to attend. We will cover all costs, including food and travel to and from the programme.

Representing Physics 2023 is a non-residential programme. This means that you will be responsible for travelling to and from the programme – for registration at The Blackett Laboratory – on each day.

The Blackett Laboratory is the Physics Department at Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ. The nearest tube station is South Kensington, on the District and Circle Lines.

Registration will be at The Blackett Laboratory for each morning of the programme. Group travel during the day will be organised and supervised by us; either by TfL, or by coach. You will need an Oyster card or equivalent - and we will cover the cost of your travel.

We welcome students of Black heritage of all abilities, including those with additional needs, to apply to the programme. During registration, you will be able to tell us more about your needs so we can make the programme as safe and inclusive as possible.

Representing Physics 2023 is a programme designed to encourage students of Black heritage - currently significantly underrepresented in the field – to consider pursuing a physics or physics-related course. If you are not of Black heritage, we encourage you to consider alternative summer schools and programmes if you are interested in physics.

Representing Physics 2023 is a London based, non-residential programme; therefore, we welcome students based in London who are able to travel to and from the programme across three-days.

Representing Physics 2023 is a programme for London based students who are currently (at the time of applying) in Year 11 or Year 12. If you are not in either year group at the time of applying, we encourage you to consider alternative summer schools and programmes if you are interested in physics.

Representing Physics 2023 is a three-day programme offering a range of experiences and opportunities to students of Black heritage interested in physics. We encourage you to apply if you are able to commit to all three days of the programme.

You will receive confirmation by email about the outcome of your application. If successful, you and your parent / carer / legal guardian will be invited to register for Representing Physics 2023.

You will receive confirmation by email about the outcome of your application. If unsuccessful, you will still have the opportunity to opt in to our mailing list with helpful resources and info about future events hosted by The Blackett Lab Family.

Our members have completed a post-16 qualification in physics or a physics related course. We encourage you to continue with physics so that you can join the crew too!

Teachers can download, print and share the Representing Physics 2023 flyer which contains key information and includes a QR code that will direct students to this webpage. We also invite teachers to encourage students to apply in assemblies and lessons, and share this opportunity within their networks.

We welcome questions or enquiries about Representing Physics 2023. You can get in touch with us at connect@theblackettlabfamily.com.

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