Domino backs Physics At Work expo at Cavendish Laboratory

Twenty volunteers from Domino – one of the longest supporters of the exhibition – attended the 40th anniversary of Physics At Work hosted for the first time in the new Ray Dolby Centre.

The event aims to show 14-16 year olds soon be making career and examination choices the variety of pursuits open to those studying physics and the range of practical problems that the subject can help solve. More than 2000 students from 53 schools attended, with 480 visiting the Domino stand.

Central to the exhibition’s success is the interaction between active scientific researchers and students which helps to spread the excitement of modern physics research.

Two three-hour sessions are held each day and students are split into small groups accompanied by a teacher as they visit six exhibitors to hear a presentation, watch practical demonstrations, enjoy an opportunity for hands-on involvement and have time for asking questions.

This year, Domino volunteers included a mix of male and female employees, apprentices, students on placements, graduates and representatives from the company’s internal Early In Careers Network which has been set up to support those at the start of their professional working life.

Penny Streatfeild, Chemist at Domino who recently achieved Membership status with the Royal Society of Chemists said: “I've volunteered with Domino at the Physics at Work event for the past four years now, and every year I look forward to it. It's a great opportunity to demonstrate to students how we use physics in a variety of roles whilst working for an industrial printing company, as well as show them that careers in physics/STEM subjects can be interesting in their application and definitely worth pursuing!”

Organisers of Physics At Work added: “This exhibition marked 40 years since the Cavendish first hosted Physics at Work, and we would like to extend a special thanks to some of our longest serving exhibitors including British Antarctic Survey and Domino.

“The commitment of all our regulars is much appreciated; knowing that we have core of excellent exhibits means we can work on the long timescales that schools need to add an event like this to their calendars and is essential to the long-term success of the exhibition.”

The Physics at Work Exhibition is an integral part of the Cavendish Laboratory's outreach and engagement activities, funded by the Department of Physics, Institute of Physics, and various generous donations.