Quark, Camera, Action! Bringing Particle Physics to Social Media

by Clara Nellist (University of Amsterdam)

Tuesday 24 Oct 2023, 16:00 → 17:00 Europe/Berlin

ENC-D308

An essential component of the long-term success of scientific research is communicating the process and results with a diverse audience. With false information travelling quickly in our digital age, it is particularly crucial in the field of particle physics to educate and inform accurately; but it's equally important to have fun and show the human side of our research. Drawing on my experience as a particle physicist on the ATLAS experiment and also as a science communicator, I'll present the unique challenges and opportunities that come with conveying complex scientific ideas to a broader audience in an engaging way. In this talk, I will explore the deeper motivations behind effective science communication and the different methodologies employed, with a specific focus on using online platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Each platform offers its own set of advantages for making particle physics more accessible, as well as obstacles in the form of misinformation and conspiracy theories. As we look towards the future and the advent of next-generation colliders, the task of clear and engaging communication becomes ever more important.