FAQ

Particle accelerators are a wonderfully rich area to work in, and accelerator physics is the subject that underpins this. Distinct from ‘particle physics’, accelerator physics is the subject which describes the behaviour of particle beams and their complex interactions. In a practical sense, accelerators use many different areas of physics and engineering.

Interested in joining the field? If you’re still at school my advice is to study as many sciences as you can and include as much mathematics as you can as well. But remember that a well-rounded education is important so please don’t sacrifice your love of history, literature or art, the world needs a range of backgrounds, skills and approaches.

If you’re already at University and studying physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or something similar there is most likely a potential role for you in this field.

There are a range of internship opportunities in accelerator physics at labs and Universities around the world for undergraduate students, including:

Oxford Particle Physics Summer Internship

Fermilab (USA) Helen Edwards Internship Programme

CERN Summer Student Programme

You could also attend one of the main Accelerator Schools:

CERN Accelerator School https://cas.web.cern.ch

US Particle Accelerator School http://uspas.fnal.gov

Joint Universities Accelerator School (JUAS) 

At the moment YES there are 2 PhD positions available in my group. See RESEARCH for more info.

There aren’t many popular science books about accelerators, which was part of my motivation for writing The Matter of Everything which features many of them, and allowed me to sneak in some accelerator physics ideas! There are plenty of books about particle physics: one of my favourites is Massive by Ian Sample . If you’re really keen, a good overview book about accelerators is Engines of Discovery by Ted Wilson and Andy Sessler, which has something for the expert as well as the lay reader.

It’s great that you’re interested in what I do! Unfortunately I am very limited in the amount of work experience opportunity I can offer personally, but members of my group might be able to host you.

Many physics workplaces have the ability to take work experience students so if you’re interested in working with particle accelerators and are UK-based I recommend you apply to either Oxford Physics or STFC for work experience, or in Australia to ANSTO or the University of Melbourne.

I wish there were more women in my field and I am active in trying to raise the profile of women in physics, including by re-claiming their stories in the history of physics in my teaching and writing. I am aware of the need for role models and I believe the best way I can provide one is to be the best scientist I can be, while being open about what it’s like to be an actual human being who does science. I stay updated on the literature and research around diversity and STEM for this reason.

However, it is not my job to educate others about gender bias, implicit bias, sexism, feminism, stereotypes, impostor syndrome and so forth. Sometimes I will set boundaries around engaging on these topics, as they can affect me on a daily basis. I always aim to find a constructive place to approach the topic from, but please be respectful if I don’t wish to engage.