Lecture Course on Neutrino Physics between Oxford and Berlin
A student presentation in the Lise-Meitner building main lecture hall in Berlin
Image Credit: privat
The group on campus in Oxford
Image Credit: privat
A lecture course “Neutrino Physics and Astrophysics” has been co-organized by the physics departments/institutes of the University of Oxford (Prof. Armin Reichold) and the Humboldt University Berlin (Priv.-Doz. Dr. Walter Winter, also scientist at DESY), financially supported by the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership. Altogether ten students from HU Berlin, three from FU and TU Berlin (to which the programme was also open) and nine from Oxford University were admitted, all at the Master’s or PhD levels.
News from Apr 18, 2024
The course was organized in two blocks with in-person participation: one week in Oxford in March and one week in Berlin in April, out of semester times at both universities. These blocks consisted of lectures in the mornings complemented by group work and talks from the students on their research or reading assignments in the afternoons. In addition, guest lectures from well-established local researchers in the field were given at both places. Marie Sturm, a Berlin participant, says “the course for me was not only a great opportunity to dive deep into the topic of neutrino physics within a short amount of time, but also to meet many other students who share my interest in particle physics.” Jasmine Simms from Oxford comments: "The course was incredibly useful and informative since neutrino physics is not covered in my postgraduate lectures. It was also great to experience studying in Berlin and to meet other students with similar interests." The academic work was supplemented with a social programme in both cities, each organized by a group of local students.
Berlin students appreciated the authentic accommodation in an Oxford college, where they enjoyed the medieval halls being occupied and alive. Through their fellow students in Oxford they were also able to explore the other colleges which are otherwise hidden to the public. Oxford students enjoyed the lively and diverse experience of Berlin life, impressed by the contemporary department buildings and curious concrete structures of the Adlershof campus. The mutual contact between the students has led to new perspectives, friendships, and rich discussions of scientific opportunities and career perspectives in the other city.
Abbey Barnard, an Oxford student, summarises: “I'm extremely thankful to have been able to participate in a dedicated neutrino physics and astrophysics course, which was enabled by the Oxford-Berlin Research Partnership. As well as learning exciting physics concepts beyond the scope of my PhD and exploring German culture, I've made friends for life!”