This year we were once again able to hold our Astrophysics Work Experience Week in person! The residential week was sponsored by the National Schools' Observatory and LJMU's Central Outreach with support from the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI).

20 students, aged 16 –18, from across the UK joined astrophysicists and the NSO Team at LJMU’s Mount Pleasant campus. This years’ application process was extremely competitive with over 140 applications for the 20 places! 

It was the best week of my year! – Work experience student 

During the week, students attended talks about astrophysics research and took part in science skills workshops. Students also heard from recent graduates about university life and from LJMU’s Central Outreach team about applying to university and navigating student finance. 

On the Wednesday and Thursday, the students worked to complete an astrophysics research project using real data from the Liverpool Telescope. Students worked independently in pairs, under the expert guidance of a supervisor from the ARI. 

The week culminated with a poster presentation session. Students presented their research project results visually on an A0 poster. They had also prepared an elevator pitch to introduce their work. Staff and PhD students from the ARI talked to each group, asked questions, and judged the prize winners. 

I've learned some great tips from them about designing and presenting posters! – ARI researcher