KA Report | Representing the UK and Ireland at PLANCKS

Caption

Yixun Liu (2023 Physics) writes:

This Hilary Term, I was fortunate to receive a Keble Association Study Award to take part in the ‘Physics League Across Numerous Countries for Kickass Students’ (PLANCKS), an international team-based physics competition for undergraduates and master’s students. The UK and Ireland stage of the event attracted 41 teams from 39 universities, and my teammates and I placed first, earning the chance to represent the region at the international finals in the Netherlands this May.

Participating in PLANCKS has been an unforgettable experience for me, both academically and personally. PLANCKS is far more than a competition. Alongside the exam, we attended talks by Dr Mike Hughes on biophysics and optical imaging, and Dr Jorge Quintanilla on quantum algorithms and networks. Graduate students who helped run the event also presented their research during an engaging poster session. There was also plenty of opportunity to connect with other students from across the UK with a passion for physics.

Unlike traditional individual contests, PLANCKS emphasises teamwork. Throughout the exam, my teammates and I shared ideas and combined our strengths across different areas of physics. The diversity of perspectives and the welcoming, inclusive environment made the experience especially inspiring.

I am deeply grateful to the Keble Association for enabling me to participate through its generous support, and to my tutors and the Physics Department for their continued encouragement. I very much look forward to representing the UK and Ireland at the international round in the Netherlands.