Southampton’s young physicists recognised ahead of bright future

The University of Southampton celebrated the city’s brightest young minds at the annual Southampton Schools Physicist of the Year awards.

The awards scheme, which is a collaboration with the Ogden Trust, highlights the talent of exceptional pupils studying Physics across Southampton’s schools.

Over 25 Year 11 pupils received awards at the sixth annual event on Highfield Campus, supported by the many teachers and parents that had nominated them for their first-rate effort during the year.

Dr Sadie Jones, event organiser and Outreach Leader in the School of Physics and Astronomy, said: “This award ceremony is a great opportunity for the students and their families to celebrate their successes and also get a taster for Physics at university.”

The Ogden Trust promotes the teaching and learning of physics by working collaboratively with schools and universities. The trust aims to increase the uptake of physics for all post-16, particularly for under-represented pupils, and fully funded last month’s ceremony which included a buffet dinner.

All prize-winners received a certificate and gift voucher as they automatically became part of the Ogden Trust alumni community.

In addition to the awards, Public Engagement Leader Pearl John and PhD students Tom Jefferson-Brain, Angela De Fazio and Tiberius Georgescu presented a Light Express roadshow. The interactive show, which tours schools and colleges in the south of England, presents its audience with a series of visual demonstrations exploring the physics of science and light behind the internet developed at the University.

The University of Southampton is committed to delivering a wide-ranging outreach program with Key Stage activities for both students and teachers. Find out more at the School of Physics and Astronomy’s outreach and public engagement pages.