“Science is fun”

ETH News: Prof. Ensslin, on 17 June ETH Zurich is holding its “Night of Physics”. What is this event about?
Klaus Ensslin: On this afternoon and evening, we will be showcasing the full range of our department’s research to the public. All fields are represented, from solid-state physics, particle physics and quantum physics to astrophysics and theoretical physics. The message we want to get across to people is that science is relevant for society and fun at the same time. We want our visitors to enjoy themselves and of course discover new things about the world of physics.

What exactly will visitors be able to see?
The whole event will take place around the large pond in the Albert Steiner Garden on the Hönggerberg campus. Around 30 interactive experiments will be set up there, offering entertaining insights into various areas of physics. At our group’s booth, for example, visitors will be able to make ice cream using liquid nitrogen and learn about physics at low temperatures. There will also be water rockets, a special telescope with which to observe the setting sun and the rising moon, and much more.

Will there be lectures, too?
Yes, there will be a total of 17 lectures on specific topics, such as the speed of light, the physics of chance, how quantum computers work and what people can expect if they choose to study physics at ETH.

You mentioned that the idea is for visitors to enjoy themselves. Are there also cultural items on the programme?
In addition to the experiments, there will be an exhibition of photographs with contributions from all research groups. The ETH Big Band will be performing and naturally there will be plenty to eat and drink. And there will be an unusual theatrical dance to watch. I’m especially looking forward to that.

Why’s that?
The dance troupe will be giving a performance on the theme of “topology” – a highly abstract specialist field of mathematics. I’m excited to see how the troupe will convey such ideas through the medium of dance.

Physics has a reputation of being difficult to understand...
...but not at the Night of Physics! Our target audience is the general public and we want to convey our subjects in a way that everyone can understand. Some of the items are suitable for children and young people aged 12 and up. So that everyone can take part, the lectures will be given in German. The only exception is the Nobel laureate Didier Queloz, who comes from the Romandy part of Switzerland and will deliver his presentation on “life in the universe” in English.

Will it be possible to visit the labs as well?
For safety reasons, the event is generally held outdoors. But for interested parties, we offer 8 guided lab tours in small groups that are specially organized an announced.

The first Night of Physics took place in 2005, as part of the ETH anniversary celebrations. Why are you resurrecting the format now?
There are several reasons. The National Centre of Competence in Research “Quantum Science and Technology” (NCCR QSIT) will shortly come to a successful conclusion. We have chosen to mark this by organising a big event for the general public. After all, communicating knowledge is one of an NCCR’s main tasks. Naturally, we hope that we can repeat the success of the first Night of Physics. Visitors to that event really enjoyed themselves and there was a great atmosphere on the campus. I hope that this event will also have an effect within the staff here. Our department has grown considerably over the past few years, but during the pandemic, we’ve hardly seen each other. This event will help foster team spirit in the department.