Slough teen’s passion for physics shines in national competition win

A love of science has helped a 16-year-old from Slough win a prize in the Eurekas – a UK and Ireland-wide science contest run by the Institute of Physics.

A video explaining the physics behind why our sky varies in colour depending on whether it is day or night, scooped the 16-year-old category.

Isabelle Pace from St Joseph’s Catholic High School won the Eurekas 16-year-old category with her video titled ‘The physics behind beautiful sunsets.’

In the winning video, Isabelle talks about the kaleidoscope of colours in the sky when the sun sets and describes how under the surface of this beauty lies various physical phenomena including scattering.

The Eurekas competition is run as part of the IOP’s Limitless campaign, which works to break down barriers to the study of physics.

The judging panel were impressed by the striking visual elements and the creativity woven throughout her entry where her passion really shone through.

Isabelle said: “I decided to do my entry on sunsets as it is something that everyone admires due to its beauty however, some people do not know the physics behind it.

“This is when I started looking into particle physics, and from there I have built upon that to explore more and now I am investigating the importance of neutrinos, not only in physics but for everyday life.

“I am very happy that the judging panel have seen and appreciated my passion for physics.”

Loreen McGeoghan, Isabelle’s mother said: “Isabelle from very early on in her secondary school education has enjoyed STEM subjects, mainly physics, and has excelled in these throughout.

“Despite being the only girl in some of her classes, this has not discouraged her at all. She actively seeks opportunities revolving around physics, whether it is online, independently, or in-person.”

Commenting on Isabelle’s win Sarah Bakewell, head of diversity and inclusion at the Institute of Physics, said the judges were blown away by the entry.

“The quality of entries both in terms of creativity and physics content make the Eurekas such an enjoyable and inspiring event to judge each year.

“I thank all those who took time to enter the competition and please know that, even if you were not a winner this year, your passion for physics has shone through and I hope you take your love for physics into your future."

The Institute of Physics is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland.

It seeks to raise public awareness and understanding of physics, inspire people to develop their knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of physics and support the development of a diverse and inclusive physics community.

As a charity, it has a mission to ensure that physics delivers on its exceptional potential to benefit society.

This year, the Eurekas received 274 entries with enthusiastic support from teachers, parents, and caregivers, including submissions from schools across the UK and Ireland.

Entries were in a wide range of formats, from film and music, from poetry to presentations.

Entrants were challenged to explore how physics powers their passions, resulting in a diverse array of submissions that showcased creativity and ingenuity.

To see all the entries and for more information on The Eurekas competition, visit www.theeurekas.co.uk