26.09.2022

Equal opportunities | Friends

A weekend among women

Young women are still a minority in STEM subjects and especially at the Physics Olympiad. That's why the Physics Olympiad organised a weekend from 16-18 September for former and current participants to network and exchange ideas and gain insights into physics studies at university and possible careers after graduation.

On Bessenberg (All pictures: Physics Olympiad)

Enjoy!

Studies - and then? A security architect explains

Theoretical insights into research at PSI

Experimental insights into research at PSI

Visitor center at PSI

Visitor center at PSI

Theoretical insights into research at PSI

We'll have chocolate bananas in a minute!

Studies - and then? A consultant explains

Shortly before the top of Bessenberg

It all started on Friday evening: After baking and eating pizza together, we got to know each other better with pantomime. The next morning, four students gave us insights into physics studies at EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. And after graduation? In the afternoon, we marvelled at the high-precision measuring instruments at the PSI and learned what research is done using them and what everyday research is like. Afterwards, we had a cosy barbecue and were glad of the hot tea, as the weather was quite cold.

 

The last day was already dawning. A consultant and a security architect told us why they did not take up a doctorate after their studies, but looked for a job outside academia. They also told us about their daily work. Afterwards we climbed the Bessenberg and enjoyed the view before some of us said goodbye with many new impressions and the others tackled a puzzle game.

 

The participants all agree that the weekend has inspired them and made them enthusiastic about physics. They can better assess what they (don't) want to do in the future and found it great to exchange ideas with other young women.

 

The weekend was organized as part of the Science Olympiad's "Equal Opportunities in Education" project. The aim is to increase the proportion of women in the Physics Olympiads, and to encourage participants to pursue scientific careers through female role models.

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