Science and Technology Facilities Council
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Harwell Campus will open its doors for the science event of the year

UK’s world-leading science campus to welcome thousands of public visitors this July.

Harwell campus
Harwell campus from the air 

Harwell Campus, near Didcot in South Oxfordshire and home to STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, plays a leading role in keeping the UK at the forefront of research. In July 2015, Harwell will welcome visitors to explore behind the scenes, and to see first-hand where some of the world’s most pioneering research takes place, meeting the scientists and technicians who deliver the breakthroughs and discoveries they hear about on the news.

The Harwell Campus hosts a range of world-leading scientific facilities, which will be opening their doors to visitors this July. The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, RAL Space, the Research Complex at Harwell, the Central Laser Facility and Diamond, the UK’s synchrotron light source, are all located on site.

Scientists from across the globe are working at Harwell to find solutions to problems that will benefit health, energy production, the environment, numerous technological and industrial challenges, and help us learn more about the universe and our planet. Experts from these different facilities will be on hand to explain their inspirational work and how it will improve life for current and future generations.

There will be marquees and exhibitions located around the site where visitors can delve deeper into the science and technology carried out at other locations run by STFC – supercomputing, accelerator science, next generation telescopes and biological sciences run by the Medical Research Council.

Much of the science carried out at the Harwell Campus utilises light in all its forms and this special event takes place during the International Year of Light, designated by the United Nations to promote awareness of light based science and technology.

The event will begin on Wednesday 8th July, when over 1,500 schoolchildren will flock to the Campus for a day of activities, tours, workshops and fun with science. There will be exciting and engaging activities designed for the entire range of school-age children. Schools can register their interest and booking will open later this month.

On Saturday 11th July, a further 10,000 members of the public are expected to visit the Campus. This day is designed for people of all ages and backgrounds. From those who are fascinated by space exploration, X-rays and neutrons, CERN and particle physics, supercomputing, and lasers, to those who are just curious to find out more about what goes on inside the Campus; there will be something for everyone. People canregister their interest and booking will open in April.

John Womersley, STFC Chief Executive, comments “The UK has a well-deserved reputation for world class science and much of this research is happening at Harwell and STFC’s other facilities around the country. In July, we are going to be offering the public a unique experience, and one that we hope will inspire our younger visitors to consider a future in science and technology. Science touches all areas of our lives and there will be something for everyone at the open day so we are looking forward to welcoming people from all walks of life to come and see what we do here at Harwell."

This site has grown into one of Europe’s most advanced scientific hubs, supporting world-leading science, whilst also helping companies to adapt fundamental research ideas for market application across a variety of different fields, including space science, laser technology, medical research, and fundamental particle physics.

The Harwell Open Days promise to be a unique opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of scientific research and discovery. All of the work, people, and technology that go into the ‘Eureka’ moments will be displayed for all to see, and this event is sure to bring visitors closer to the science that impacts on their everyday lives.

 

Channel website: http://www.stfc.ac.uk/

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