Celebration of physics

An open event showcasing exciting science, from optical techniques in medicine to the possibility of creating artificial black holes here on Earth, is being held at the University of St Andrews.

The organisers hope that the “Celebration of Physics” will attract physics teachers and lecturers, physics students and physicists in industry and commerce from all over Scotland. The event immediately precedes the AGM of the Scottish Branch of the Institute of Physics.

The “Celebration” will take place in the School of Physics and Astronomy, North Haugh, St Andrews on Saturday 23 March 2002. Physics now underpins most of our modern technology and, at the same time, is needed to explain the way that nature works on earth and how the Universe as a whole functions. The aim of the meeting is to allow people interested in physics to learn more about particularly exciting topics from experts in their fields, who are also tremendous communicators.

The applications of physics to internet communications will be covered by University of St Andrews Professor Thomas Krauss, while Strathclyde University’s Dr John Girkin will be showing how physics can open up new techniques in medical imaging.

Professor Sir Michael Berry from Bristol University will be discussing how intriguing physical ideas underpin a series of natural phenomena, including the great moon-driven river wave, and the way that twists and turns of a belt can demonstrate one of nature’s deepest laws.

Astronomical topics are covered by St Andrews astronomer Prof Keith Horne talking on the global search for planets around other stars. St Andrews theoretical physicist Prof Ulf Leonhardt will link astronomy to lab-based physics in his presentation on “Black Holes in the Lab”.

“Popular” physics is also well represented. Retired schoolteacher Jim Jardine will be showing some of the interesting and fun physics to be found in toys. Adults and children alike who have been entertained and intrigued by the “Uncle Albert” adventure stories (Faber and Faber) introducing relativity and other exciting concepts in theoretical physics will be able to hear the author in person. Professor Russell Stannard of the Open University will talk on the subject of “Physics through stories”.

The event is being organised by Professor Alan Miller, Ms Julia Fenn, and Dr Bruce Sinclair of the University of St Andrews. Further details are available at www.standrews.ac.uk/~www_pa/celebra tion. Registration for the event is via 01334 463111. ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media on behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information please contact Claire Grainger on 01334 462530, 07730 415 015 or email [email protected] Ref: physics celeb/standrews