LIP at Science Fest: from particle physics to health
"At the festival LIP presented examples of instrumentation, prototypes and interactive experiences showing how particle physics can find applications in health."
The Science Fest took place in Arcos de Valdevez from 12 to 15 March under the theme brain, health and well-being, providing an opportunity for LIP to show how research in particle physics can lead to applications in health.
Visitors could explore a positron emission tomography (PET) prototype for brain imaging and a model of a radiotherapy beam monitoring system — two examples of how instrumentation developed in this field can be applied to medical diagnosis and treatment.
The stand also featured an interactive proton therapy simulator, allowing visitors to explore some of the principles behind proton-beam therapy.
Also on display was a scale model of a particle accelerator, helping visitors to better understand this type of infrastructure by presenting it at a more accessible scale.
The stand’s most visual and participatory element was a backdrop inspired by the LHC tunnel, which served as a setting for photographs and helped bring visitors closer to one of the most emblematic scientific infrastructures in particle physics.
Throughout the festival, LIP showed how particle physics can lead to applications with real impact on people’s lives and on society.
