The Accelerating Science exhibition, dedicated entirely to CERN, was held at the University of Silesia in Chorzów from 22 to 26 April 2024. As part of the European City of Science celebrations and the 15th week of the “50 Weeks in the City of Science”, the event offered an in-depth exploration of elementary particle physics, attracting both students and the general public.
The exhibition was organised into three themed capsules: the Big Bang zone, the particle zone and the CERN research area, each covering major concepts of particle physics, including the origins of the Universe, the structure of matter, and how CERN uses the LHC for groundbreaking experiments. Visitors experienced this immersive journey through a blend of interactive displays, films and animations, which made the complex science more accessible to a broad audience.
Guided tours were conducted by physicists from the “Nuclear Physics in Interaction Research and its Applications” team, who engaged with attendees and presented live experiments to demonstrate the latest discoveries in physics. A children’s corner provided fun, hands-on activities for younger visitors, ensuring the exhibition appealed to all ages.
This event was part of the larger New Technologies Week, during which the cities of Katowice, Chorzów and Sosnowiec became hubs for discussions of scientific and technological progress. Beyond the exhibition, the week featured expert lectures on topics such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and modern materials, bringing together specialists from diverse fields. These lectures, along with interactive workshops, encouraged participants to reflect on the future of technology and its ethical implications.
The Accelerating Science exhibition, a highlight of the week, successfully bridged the gap between cutting-edge science and public engagement, offering a glimpse into the vast potential of CERN’s research and its impact on the future of technology and society.
