Today is the Higgs boson's second birthday! It was on this day, the fourth of July, in 2012 that the Higgs was unveiled to the world with the now immortal words of CERN Director General, Rolf Heuer, "I think we have it". Before the announcement was made, the atmosphere at CERN was like a rock concert.… Continue reading Happy Higgs Day!
Category: Blog
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here!
In March of this year (2014) I took part in an online x-factor style science communication competition called, I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here! I'd heard of the event before, and knew other people who had been involved, but for some reason I'd never looked into taking part myself. However, since moving to Paris,… Continue reading I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here!
A physicist walks onto a stage…
Last August (in 2013) the first LHComedy stand up show was held at CERN. I was in the final months of writing my PhD thesis, so obviously that was a perfect time to place myself at the mercy of a stand-up comedy crowd. You might be asking, "why do a science comedy show?". The word scientist… Continue reading A physicist walks onto a stage…
MOSI Collider exhibit launch – a virtual view
A little over a week ago, on Thursday 22nd May, the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) launched the Collider exhibit, a recreation of the experience of visiting CERN. I would have loved to have been there to help out, but unfortunately I had meetings at CERN the same week and couldn't go in person.… Continue reading MOSI Collider exhibit launch – a virtual view
Science needs women
Walking through CDG airport has been a particular joy for me over the last few months. I'm guessing that's not something you hear very often, but let me explain. Due to my job and personal circumstances, I fly a lot. Mostly they are short-haul flights to Geneva, or back to the UK, and it's become… Continue reading Science needs women
ATLAS Blog – Notes from Underground: Pixel Prototypes
The ATLAS Blog is currently focusing on the work that takes place when the LHC is not colliding protons for the experiments. The series is called "Notes from Underground". This week's post is from me and focuses on the work of developing new pixel detectors for upgrading ATLAS, specifically the IBL. You can read it here: I obviously recommend… Continue reading ATLAS Blog – Notes from Underground: Pixel Prototypes
Successful installation of the ATLAS Insertable B-Layer
On the 8th of May, I had some fantastic news in my inbox: the IBL, or Insertable B-Layer, had been taken 100m underground and installed into the ATLAS experiment at CERN! Unless you're an ATLAS physicist yourself, you probably don't know what I'm talking about when I mention the IBL. In short, it's an extra layer… Continue reading Successful installation of the ATLAS Insertable B-Layer
CERN opens doors for 60th celebrations
Last weekend was "Le CERN fête ses 60 ans avec ses voisins", or public open day for CERN's neighbours as part of the 60 years celebrations. If I'd known that I would definitely have been at CERN during the open day weekend, I would have volunteered to help, but instead I went along as a… Continue reading CERN opens doors for 60th celebrations
Hello World!
Hello and welcome to my first blog! As this is the first time I've done this, you'll have to excuse me if I stumble a little as I find my way. I wanted to start this blog as a place to collect all of the activities that fill my time (and my twitter feed!). I should… Continue reading Hello World!
Dr Clara Nellist 