This year's week-long in-person-only event featured a broad overview of cutting-edge research in particle physics and cosmology with presentations and active work sessions with Berkeley Lab scientists on subjects such as the Standard Model of particle physics, neutrinos, quantum physics, dark matter, AI/ML, and pixel detectors.

Highlights of the program included a drop-in visit by Nobel Laureate Saul Perlmutter, tours of the ALS (Advanced Light Source) and ATLAS labs, and a round table panel discussion with scientists on the last day.

The workshop is designed to create a vibrant learning community that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion for Physics teachers and highly motivated high school students with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “The program is also an excellent opportunity for lab scientists to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for research with bright and inquisitive high school students,” said workshop designer/co-organizer and Berkeley Lab Physics Division Deputy Tony Spadafora.

Special thanks to Workshop Coordinator Laurie Kerrigan, a retired high school physics teacher and one of this workshop’s original designers, who has co-organized this workshop with Spadafora since it was launched in 2006.