Southampton PhD students enjoy challenges at GRADnet Summer School

Southampton Physics and Astronomy students joined other PhD students from across the region in a challenging three-day GRADnet Summer School at IBM, Hursley.

Six Southampton students attended the residential which saw them exploring the skills required to become the research leaders of the future.

During the course, which was organised by the South East Physics Network (SEPnet), the 35 delegates were introduced to the concept of leadership from a variety of viewpoints and had to work together as a team on a series of challenges.

They also got the opportunity to explore the technological, societal, economic and political impact of physics and physicists, and discussed examples of how physics has made an impact on the world.

The students said they had enjoyed the Summer School and found the tasks challenging and valuable, while the staff leading some of the projects said they were impressed with the students and what they were able to achieve in the time available.

Southampton PhD student Paul Gow said: “I enjoyed the course. I found the exercise in managing data extremely useful as it gave me great ideas for presenting results in clear and fun ways, perfect for public engagement. Building a trebouchet was also a great chance to use my physics skills to launch an egg!”