RAL Placement details 2024

Group and Project Summary:

Accelerator Physics Group: Responsible for operation of the ISIS accelerators, theory, design, modelling and understanding current and future accelerators.

Controls Group: Responsible for developing and maintaining the vast network of hardware that makes up the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source – in this case specifically the 11,000+ signals that ensure the accelerators work!

Using python (pre-requisite), you will optimise part of the particle accelerator controls system for accelerator physicists. This MAY involve database querying, generating user interfaces, applying machine learning, or running accelerator simulation codes – as required at the time. You will perform real work that will contribute to the operation of our world-class user facility, and get hands on experience of how we work. You will work as part of a group of students for this placement.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Python is a prerequisite – students MUST have experience, and be comfortable programming in python.

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

We work on the ATLAS particle detector at CERN, part of the Large Hadron Collider experiment. It’s a big experiment looking for evidence of new physical forces and theories. At RAL we focus on building new detectors and writing new computer programs to make the experiment work better.

Learn the basics of experimental particle physics data analysis. Help testing software for filtering data from a particle collision.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

LHCb group is involved in many activities that help to conduct the experiment, namely:

 – Hardware development for future upgrades of the detector

 – Software development for simulation

 – Grid Computing activities (e.g. data management or Tier-1 liaising)

Analysis of Grid Computing jobs efficiency at RAL, with particular interest in storage efficiency.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Python programming skills and some experience with unix-like operating systems would be helpful.

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

ATLAS High Level Trigger (HLT) Group

This group contributes to many aspects of the ATLAS HLT including:

•            Hardware/ROS

•            Core software and steering

•            Menus, rates and costs

•            Inner detector tracking software

•            Trigger signatures (muons, e/gamma, B-jets, Jets, B-physics, taus)
Students will be involved in particle physics data analysis and computing.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 12/13

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

The Centre for Environmental Data Analysis (CEDA) serves the environmental science community through the provision of different services and resources. CEDA’s goals include furthering environmental data practices, deploying new technologies to enhance access to data, and providing services to aid large scale data analysis.

The CEDA science support team archive data from the academic community. During the placement you will learn about and help with these data management tasks. The archive contains a large variety of atmospheric and earth observation data and the student will experience the practicalities and difficulties of working with very large and very diverse datasets.

We also operate a helpdesk to process our customer queries. You will also learn about how we triage and address these queries and learn about the day to day running of this service.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in environmental science or meteorology (desirable)

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

Centre For Environmental Data Analysis (CEDA). We serve the environmental science community by the provision of data centres, data analysis and access, and research project participation. Our goals include furthering environmental data practices, deploying new technologies to enhance access to data, and providing services to aid large scale data analysis. The developer group work on CEDA and JASMIN services to provide and maintain the tools used to further these goals.

CEDA provides services to the environmental science community to aid large scale data analysis. We have a variety of applications making use of different technologies and could tailor the project to the student’s interests. Some examples could include working on the front-end of a web application (in React.js) to add in extra visualisation of a user’s data storage, working on the back-end of an application to add in some extra functionality (in Python), or maybe experience of trying to deploy an app (in Docker).

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
This project would be suitable for any student with an interest in programming and maybe environmental science. Some experience in programming (languages such as Python, React or JavaScript) would be beneficial. The student would need to be motivated to learn programming practices.

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

The Cloud group operate and maintain the cloud. The group is made of DevOps and Ops. Ops are more focussed on the cloud infrastructure such as hardware and networking. Whereas DevOps are more focussed on developing new services for users or making new tools to help automate some of Ops’s work.

Scientific Computing Department – Cloud Operations Group (COG)

The Cloud group facilitate and maintain the STFC Cloud.  In short the Cloud is a way to provide Virtual Machines to users enabling them to do things such as scientific data analysis without having to buy their own computers. The Cloud group consists of 2 teams. Ops and DevOps. Ops work mostly with the Cloud infrastructure such as commissioning new hardware in the datacentre and lots of security/networking. DevOps aim to develop new tools to automate many of Ops’s manual tasks and maintain services provided to users of the Cloud.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in programming, computer hardware, computing automation

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

DAFNI (Data & Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure)

DAFNI is a national platform that provides computation for national infrastructure research. We are a software engineering team, mainly working in Python and Javascript (Vue.js) to build and maintain the platform and web interface.

DAFNI (https://www.dafni.ac.uk/) is a national platform that provides computation for national infrastructure research. We are a software engineering team, mainly working in Python and Javascript (Vue.js) to build and maintain the platform and web interface.

Students will have the opportunity to work on small, user-requested features. You will experience the full software development cycle, from writing code, testing, and reviewing, through to releasing your work onto the platform. You’ll also get the chance to learn from our development team about software engineering best-practices, and see the day-to-day life of a software engineer.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
An interest in programming, preferably with some experience in Python or Javascript (or a similar language)

An eagerness to learn

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

Ceph Team in Data Services: We provide storage to research projects for their scientific data. This involves looking after many servers and keeping them updated and working. We also have a raspberry pi demo cluster to show off the technology we use.

We would like the student to help improve our demonstration cluster named Wolfi, which is built from raspberry pis and runs a lightweight set of the software our production clusters use.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in coding, computers, data storage.

Discipline: Computing

Group and Project Summary:

In the Estates team, we design our own in-house building services for small-medium scale refurbishments and we collaborate with external consultants in the larger scheme projects. We enable the extraordinary science that takes place in STFC by transforming the Estate in which our various scientific groups operate. We give them a space where they can develop their science, analize their data, collaborate and work together, and even reunite, chat, have lunch and much more.

The student will work in the field of building services. Working with a supervisor on design projects, and potential to shadow work with external consultants by reviewing their designs, making sure these designs meet our standards and are adequate for the purpose they will serve.

Length of placement: 2 weeks           Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Mechanical engineering, some maths and physics knowledge and fluid mechanics

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

The Chilbolton Observatory, Hampshire, is a radio and space field station. We operate a range of facilities focused on atmospheric science, future telecommunications and space situational awareness. Most of our expertise lies in radar instruments, and we work with various other groups to develop and maintain the capabilities they need.

The Chilbolton Observatory is a radio and space field station that runs lots of science equipment. As well as maintaining the kit running 24/7, we develop new technologies for higher performance and reliability. Our work involves a lot of time in the field and the laboratory getting hands-on! We are looking for a work experience student to help gather data using some high-tech instruments. This may involve checking instruments, plotting graphs and lots of other fun laboratory experiments.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
A broad interest in enabling science – a desire to understand how we generate data and take measurements.

Essential: Able to attend a placement at the observatory in Hampshire

Discipline: Engineering/Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

ISIS Detector Systems Group. Our group designs, develops and maintains the Data Acquisition Electronics (DAE) on ISIS in both target station 1 and target station 2. This placement will involve visits to ISIS to see our equipment and it may involve design work or coding demonstrations back in the lab. 

ISIS Detector Systems Group- Our group designs, develops and maintains the Data Acquisition Electronics on ISIS. This placement is with the Electronics side of the Detector Group, we do soldering, electronic design, VHDL coding, electronics installation and fault finding. We are looking for a work experience student to shadow and assist staff members and complete a soldering challenge.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in STFC apprenticeships and visiting the site for apprenticeship open days

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

High Power Targets Group:

The group specialises in the design and build of high-power targets, a crucial enabling technology for the next generation of particle accelerators. We undertake the full engineering process, and therefore have expertise ranging from conceptual and detailed design, physics and engineering analysis, prototyping, and testing, to specialist manufacturing techniques, including joining dissimilar materials and remote handling (robots). This means students will experience a wide range of engineering practices, including computer-based CAD modelling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to physical lab work including the manufacture, assembly and testing of highly unique parts.

In terms of projects, the team are currently working on developing the next generation particle collider targets for the LBNF project in America and the Hyper-K upgrade in Japan. Students will therefore undertake a small piece of work that focuses on a particular challenge in the creative design process of these targets. Using CAD and FEA tools as well as some lab exposure, they will potentially contribute to a global solution that is set to change the landscape of particle physics.

Length of placement: 2 weeks           Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
An interest in: Engineering, physics, quantum mechanics.

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

High Power Targets Group: we design and test targets for particle accelerators. These are devices that receive highly energised beams to emit a specific particle (in ISIS it is neutrons, although could be muons, neutrinos or electrons) for posterior scientific analysis of new alloys, ceramics, pharmaceutical drugs, superconducting materials, etc. The job of the group is to design it to withstand the extreme temperatures and forces from the source: cooling systems, structural supports, passive safety mechanisms and much more. All while contributing to cutting edge science and working with engineers in a niche yet highly challenging field.

Contribute to the design of a new particle accelerator by performing thermal/structural analysis of components for the ISIS II particle accelerator. The job will involve Computer Aided Design, possible experimental setups and heat data measurements, etc.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Science

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

Mechanical Engineering Division

We are the design office for the Central Laser Facility (CLF), including EPAC, VULCAN 2020, and ARTEMIS facilities.

Our role is to conceptualise, verify, and design components needed for operations use or facility upgrades by the CLF.

This involves producing detailed models and drawings for parts and assemblies, selecting and procuring required mechanical parts, supporting technicians and installers, and generating and producing documentation to support designs.

Students will join the CLF Mechanical Engineering Design office to design and verify parts and assemblies needed for operations use or facility upgrades by the CLF. These parts may be used in any of the CLF Facilities which include EPAC, VULCAN 2020, ARTEMIS, GEMINI and OCTOPUS.

You will be given a design task, i.e. a problem to solve. By the end of the placement you will be able to propose a full concept solution with accompanying engineering calculations to verify the design.

To do this you will be using Computer Aided Design (Solid Edge) to turn ideas and sketches into 3D models, and then into technical drawings suitable for manufacturing, with support from your supervisor and the group.

Length of placement: 1 or 2 weeks    Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Essential – An interest in Mathematics and Scientific Research

Desirable – Experience with or desire to learn CAD or other 3D software.

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

The Project Engineering Group (Technology Department) is responsible for advanced engineering design and analysis on various STFC related and International projects including LIGO, ATLAS, and NQCC. The work often includes skills in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Cryogenic Engineering, Vacuum Technology, and CAD/Drafting. When working on projects, we start with a customer’s concept which we develop with the customer into a full specification. From this, we engineer, deliver and commission complete systems. It is not always clear at the outset what the challenges will be during a project, and we often draw in specialist skills from across STFC to form a complete project team.

Work Experience students will most likely design components using CAD, and use calculations and simulations to support these designs. They will pick up skills in Engineering design, drawing, and manufacture as well as professional skills through attending meetings, presenting etc.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

ISIS Design Division – Instrument Design Group.

In the ISIS Design Division we design and create a wide range of equipment for use on the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. This ranges from small handheld sample environment equipment to large instruments – these instruments range from the size of a large van to the size of a house!

We use 3D CAD packages to design components, then calculate or simulate if they will work and review designs with other engineers. We then get these designs manufactured to be installed on the beamline.

In this placement you will be given an ISIS design brief to work on and generate ideas to solve a real life engineering problem through sketches, 3D CAD and maybe some simulations/calculations. No prior experience of any of this is required – your supervisor(s) will always be on hand to teach and guide you!

Length of placement: 1 week or 2 weeks           Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Design

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

Electronics Production puts together printed circuit boards for use in other scientific endeavours, including projects going to space. Soldering surface mount and through hole components onto printed circuit boards and related activities. Clean room/ESD (Electro Static Discharge) work.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in electronics.

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

The RAL Space mechanical production team assemble, integrate, procure, and store items for projects. The team build all deliverable items for RAL Space, including space instruments, ground based instruments, ground support equipment, and jigs/fixtures.

The primary purpose of the role is to support and engage in the projects and interest of the mechanical production group at RAL Space. These activities may include but not limited to:

•Practicing assembly skills like those needed for space flight equipment

•Assembly of jigs and fixtures as required to support the operations of the group

•Carry out precision cleaning activities on flight hardware

•Carry out inspections and generation of reports

•Provide mechanical support to the Environmental Test Division

•Be aware and proactively enforce excellent health and safety practices within the remit of STFC’s Safety Policy

The role will be favour someone who enjoys technical hands on work such as assembly, integration and inspecting items that will go in to space. The role will favour someone who has a keen interest in the space industry and follows events and technologies in the industry in their spare time.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Space and science. Assembly and integration of hardware.Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

Quality and Safety Group – To define and administer the quality management system in a manner that ensures right first time, on time delivery. Efficient systems of work and safety of personnel and hardware. To monitor process performance and observed practices within the organisation to identify opportunities for improvement. To ensure we maintain our certification multiple international standards.

Product Assurance is similar to quality assurance. What we do is act as an impartial ‘middle-person’ between our company who is delivering something and our customer chain. What we do is ensure we are delivering exactly what our customer expects us to deliver.

Within our Space Test Facilities the Quality Assurance and Product Assurance groups are there to ensure that Space Flight Hardware is delivered to a high quality standard. We get involved in all stages of the lifecycle for a project. This includes; maintaining compliance from the design of an item through to delivery in the form of inspecting designs; inspecting flight hardware; ensuring cleanroom Particulate and Molecular Contamination levels are maintained; reviewing flight hardware assembly procedures; and maintaining compliance to ISO9001, EN9100 and ECSS standards.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in Space Science, engineering

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary: 

Systems Engineering Group. Provide the conceptual design, engineering leadership and strategy for projects and manage the different technical work packages within those projects, including: mechanical design, electrical and control design, vacuum testing and cryogenics. We are responsible for ensuring that all the work packages work effectively, logistically, and that the systems will ultimately be able to accomplish what the customers require.   

 
A project working on the conceptual design of a space probe or satellite instrument. This project involves theoretical design and justification of the design choices made and managing requirements so that the project meets the goals of the mission. 

Length of placement: 1 week Year Group: Year 12/13 

Other Criteria:  

An interest in engineering and science is essential. 

Discipline: Engineering  

Group and Project Summary: 

Dynamics Testing group: 

The group develops and conducts ‘dynamic’ tests on space – movement tests like vibration and shock tests, that check a spacecraft will survive it’s launch on a rocket, it’s separation from that rocket, and that the shock felt when solar panels or an atenna unfurls in space doesn’t cause any damage. We work on small size spacecraft and their components, and also have a new building called the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) where we will test full-size satellites and spacecraft around 7-8 tonnes, the size of a minibus. We are currently learning how to use the much bigger test machines and equipment in the NSTF. 

We also volunteer to do STEM/Space sector outreach, as and when opportunities arise – there may be a chance for a student to get involved in some during their work experience. 
 

Students will help with preparation for testing in the NSTF, practising on large shakers, testing/preparing a representative satellite model, taking part in conducting tests of spacecraft and their components. 

The work we do is currently very varied and priorities change quickly, but our work will remain within the areas above. 

Length of placement: 2 weeks Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13 
 

Other Criteria:  

No experience necessary – that’s what this is all about! 

Keen interest in space is required. 

Appreciation of physics principles of motion, and supporting mathematics 
 

Discipline: Engineering/Science (practical) 

Group and Project Summary:

Thermal Engineering Group (TEG): Thermal design, development and verification of spacecraft scientific payloads and ground-based space instrument.

The group works on:

• Thermal and cryogenic systems
• Planetary/lunar landers and orbital missions
• On-board blackbody calibration systems
• Ground-based telescopes and instrument calibration facilities
• Electronics thermal control
  
• Multi-layer Insulation (MLI) design and manufacture

Students will have a first-hand experience in designing in temperature extremes of space and planetary environment. Ensuring survivability and optimal operation of the spacecraft/lander.

Length of placement: 2 weeks           Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Discipline: Engineering

Group and Project Summary:

Experimental Science Group: We help Scientists who come to use the lasers at the facility design, construct and perform their experiments.

The student will work with the team that provides scientific support for laser experiments, by designing, setting up, and helping to perform world leading experiments at the Central Laser Facility.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in Physics

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

The crystallography group is operating a world-class suite of instruments using neutrons to determine the crystal structure of various materials.

The student will get hands-on experience in determining and refining crystal structures.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

Detector Systems Group

The detector systems group develops and maintains the neutron and muon detectors used on instruments at ISIS. There is a strong focus on the research and development of new detector technologies to continually improve the scientific capabilities of ISIS instruments.

The project could include synthesising and testing new luminescent materials for neutron detectors or characterising material properties of novel scintillators. The student will gain hands on experience using a range of scientific techniques and be responsible for analysing and presenting their findings.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

Composites and Materials Testing Group in the Applied Science Division. We formulate custom composite materials and adhesives for unique applications, where there may not be commercial solutions. The work experience placement would be most suitable for those wanting to study chemistry, materials engineering or other engineering disciplines.

The work experience placement would be most suitable for those wanting to study chemistry, materials engineering or other engineering disciplines. The work experience student could be helping with a variety of tasks such as formulating epoxy resin systems to performing thermal analysis on existing materials

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Studying A-Level Chemistry

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

The Molecular Spectroscopy Group at ISIS operates four world-class inelastic neutron spectrometers: IRIS, OSIRIS, TOSCA and VESUVIO. They are used for investigations of the dynamics of materials covering timescales from the femto-second to the nano-second range and energies from μeV to eV. A wide range of disciplines make use of the Group’s instruments. There are active research programs in catalysis, proton conductors, battery components, soft matter and biological materials.

There are also ancillary facilities for sample characterisation, in particular infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction.

The placement has two components. The first is to make crystals suitable for neutron diffraction studies. This will involve some chemistry and characterising the samples using infrared and Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The second component is to create the files needed to add compounds to the inelastic neutron scattering database for which the student will be included in the list of contributors.

Length of placement: 2 weeks           Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
A passion for chemistry or physics.

Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

Molecular Spectroscopy Group

We develop and operate a set of cutting edge neutron spectrometers which provide chemical probes of structure and dynamics ranging from diffusion/rotation, through phonon/bond vibrations, to the ability to observe quantum effects in the zero point energy.

In terms of the project the student will be introduced to the study of molecular vibrations in the solid state using TOSCA neutron spectrometer (experimentally) as well as by performing theoretical calculations using well established software (Gaussian03).

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Discipline: Science (practical)/Science (theoretical)

Group and Project Summary:

Molecular Spectroscopy:

Studying the motions of atoms and molecules in functional materials

This placement will look into cooking silicon crystals

Heat treatment of silicon enables a process called oxygen precipitation. This treatment can enhance the performance of silicon crystals in specific instruments. Some tests for this procedure will be undertaken.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

We are the Particle Physics LHCb group at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. We are working on the particle physics experiments conduct at CERN. LHCb experiment specializes in investigating the slight differences between matter and antimatter by studying a type of particle called the “beauty quark”, or “b quark”.

Our group works focus on upgrading the detectors, RICH (Ring-imaging Cherenkov) and Mighty Tracker. Our research projects are including sensor testing (HV-MAPS and SiPM), cooling system development, detector readout system, detector geometry simulation and data analysis (python and C++ basis).

In order to build our detector test system, we are designing and prototyping the monitoring system with the use of Raspberry Pi, Arduino and electronics with specific purpose. For the sensor readout, we are developing both firmware (FPGA) and software (C++ and python basis) for testing. The studies with geometry simulation of detectors allowed us to analysis and optimise the design of the upgrade detectors.

The student will work within this group and may support these projects

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

Our group is working with the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. We are operating an electronics laboratory here at RAL where we do a lot of infrastructure work for CMS, i.e. doing development and running tests on how to power our electronics, how to communicate with it, how to monitor that it is operating correctly.

Our group is running test systems for a future level 1 trigger system for the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The level 1 trigger is a cutting edge electronics system based on custom hardware that decides within microseconds whether a collision recorded by the CMS experiment is interesting enough to be kept for analysis. In addition to building and maintaining the test systems themselves, we are involved in developing software and FPGA firmware for its operation. The focus on the student project will be writing software that monitors our test systems and ensures they are operating correctly.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Experience in Python programming would be ideal

Discipline: Science (practical)/Engineering/Computing

Group and Project Summary:

The RAL Particle Physics Project Office supports the management of many of the UK’s national and international particle physics research programmes. Once delivered, these experiments contribute to fundamental understanding of the building blocks of the universe. We provide professional project management to a wide range of projects and develop and manage process to support activities within the office.

Students will spend the week within the project office learning about the key aspects of project management and simulate setting up a small project and writing a short proposal on a specific area of a particle physics project. By applying the techniques to real life information the students will hopefully gain insight into not only our projects but also a greater understanding of the requirement for project management in the work place.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Organised, Good communication, Problem solving

Discipline: Science (practical)

Group and Project Summary:

The ATLAS experiment at the LHC is engaged in multiple analyses at the cutting edge of particle physics. I am looking for students interested in the Higgs boson and the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the Universe. One possible explanation for this observed excess involves several additional Higgs bosons. Searching for these is an important goal that we are pursuing.

The project will involve computer analysis of possible new physics models. This will probably mean running existing simulation code, and exploring what sort of predictions it makes under various hypotheses. This is to guide experimental searches following on from the project.

Length of placement: 1 week             Year Group: Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Particle physics, computing

Discipline: Science (theoretical)/Computing

Group and project summary:
Public Engagement and Science Communication for ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

We are responsible for writing news articles and science highlights about the research done at ISIS as well as sharing it on social media. We are also responsible for public engagement, running events and creating online resources to bet the public involved in the work we do here.

These students will help ISIS in the run up to the Harwell Open Week. This could involve making social media posts, creating activities and resources to be used in the open weeks for a wide range of audiences.

This year we have Harwell Open Week to plan for. This event will see over 10,000 people of all ages and backgrounds enter ISIS and learn about our research. It is our role to make sure science is accessible to all and to engage with a wide range of audiences. In this work experience you will have a chance to combine creativity with your passion for science. Opportunities in this placement could include and are not limited to: creating activities for Harwell Open Week, and creating social media posts.

Length of placement: 1 week     Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Essential: Students will need to demonstrate a passion for science and eagerness to learn.
An interest in learning about a range of scientific areas.
Creative ideas for developing science based content

Discipline: Other

Group and Project Summary:

RAL Space Communications and Engagement

Our Communications and Engagement team tells the stories behind RAL Space’s exciting projects, science, technology, and facilities. We do this through developing news stories, social and digital media, and through engagement with schools, industry, and the general public. We work closely with our staff to learn about what they’re working on, and often go “behind the scenes” in our labs and clean rooms where satellites and instruments are being prepared for their lifetimes in space!

We tell the stories behind RAL Space’s exciting projects, science, technology, and facilities. We do this through developing news stories, social and digital media, and through engagement with schools, industry, and the general public. We work closely with other teams to learn about what they’re working on, and often go “behind the scenes” in our labs and clean rooms where satellites and instruments are being prepared for their lifetimes in space.

We’re looking for a work experience student to help create creative content for our social and digital media channels. This might involve photography/videography, interviewing staff, and drafting engaging text for our channels.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Interest in creative or science writing, science communication, photography, social/digital media, space. Relevant for engineering and science for students with interest in those areas

Discipline: Other

Group and Project Summary:

Particle Physics Department Communication and Public Engagement Team. We aim to help the general public and people from other areas of science understand particle physics, and to promote the specific work of our department. To achieve this we run social media accounts, run a website, produce articles and videos and take people on tours of the department. We also help run events for schools and the general public to allow people to get some hands-on experience of particle physics and to learn more about the work we do.

The Particle Physics Department Communications and Public Engagement Team help a wide variety of audiences improve their understanding of our research through various online platforms and in-person events, often working with the Central Communications and Public Engagement teams. Work experience students will help produce online content (this could be social media posts, videos or articles), develop public engagement activities, and get a general introduction to making science accessible to the public.

Length of placement: 1 week               Year Group: Year 10/11 or Year 12/13

Other Criteria:
Students should have an interest in physics, and want to learn more about particle physics. They should be enthusiastic about communicating science to a wider audience. Ideally they should have some experience in communicating something they’re interested

Discipline: Other