New physics podcast series launched as part of IoP-funded Planet Possibility project

Doctoral researcher Upasna Chauhan heads a new podcast series interviewing world-leading physicists working on a project called AION (Atom Interferometry Observatory and Network) which aims to develop the science and technology to build and reap the scientific rewards from the first large-scale atom interferometer in the UK. In this series, Upasna explores the various career path journeys of the interviewees, the impact of their research, and what this means for the world we live in.

The podcast series has been created as part of the Planet Possibility project, launched in 2022 and funded by the Institute of Physics' Challenge Fund. This project aims to attract more young people from under-represented groups into careers in physics, and consortium partners include the University of Birmingham, University of Southampton, Blair Project, Future First and All About Group.

Upasna, a second-year doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham-hosted UK Quantum Technology Hub Sensors and Timing, researches optics and quantum physics - specifically using lasers to cool atoms, helping  to build techniques for the search of dark matter and gravitational waves. She first became interested in the subject of physics during her childhood in India, where she later completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees. Alongside studying for her PhD, Upasna works as part of a team of physics champions for the Planet Possibility project, promoting awareness of physics-related careers across young audiences .

These episodes can be viewed on the University's YouTube channel through the links below. 

Episode 1: Gravitational waves - footprints of Big Bang

Professor Oliver Buchmueller has been undertaking research for more than 25 years in different laboratories such as CERN in Geneva to Imperial College London. Oliver also takes an interest in the teaching of physics at secondary, further and higher levels. In this episode, Oliver discusses how he developed an early interest towards physics through science fiction, as well as concepts of physics including dark matter, gravitational waves, dark energy, quantum and space time continuum as well as his days at CERN when Higgs Boson was detected.

Episode 2: Physics - the closest thing to magic

Dr Tiffany Harte is leading a group of experimentalists working with cold atoms at University of Cambridge. Tiffany’s group uses cold atoms to study the very smallest details to the largest. In this episode, Tiffany talks about how her fascination towards magic and the fictional world inspired her to study physics and how each day is a new surprise when working in a physics lab.