Events

2010 Lecture: Powering the Future – Dr Melanie Windridge

Schools Lecture Series 2010 – Powering the Future - The Physics of Fusion

Find out how the reaction that powers the sun could provide a clean energy source for the future.

An exciting, interactive free talk for school students, which builds on everyday physics to explain groundbreaking research.

 This inspiring lecture will reveal:

• The physics behind the fusion reaction that powers the sun;
• How physicists are trying to replicate the fusion reaction in massive experiments at places such as JET, the world’s largest nuclear fusion experiment at Culham
• The potential for harnessing the energy produced in the fusion reaction as a future alternative to fossil fuels.

With hands-on demonstrations the lecture will explore the challenges of creating facilities that can withstand the high temperatures of the sun in order to create the fusion reaction on earth. 

Presenter

Dr Melanie Windridge recently completed a PhD in Fusion Energy at Imperial College London, spending much of her research time at the JET research facility at Culham.  Whilst completing her PhD Melanie gained experience in science communication working on promotional material for Culham Science Centre and regularly attending science festivals.  Melanie recently appeared on “Bang Goes the Theory” on BBC 1 and has made many other TV and radio appearances.

Audience: 14 – 16 year olds

Talk Duration: 1 hour

Curriculum links include: How science works - applications and implications of science, energy resources, radioactivity, stars and fusion.

View dates and venues for 2010

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