Hadron Collider on collision course to Brisbane

A new exhibition opening today at the Queensland Museum will give visitors a tremendous opportunity to experience the power of science, just in time for school holidays.

Science Minister Leeanne Enoch said Hadron Collider: Step inside the world’s greatest experiment, unveiled the inner workings of the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.

“The exhibition,developed by the Science Museum in London,recreates the largest scientific experiment ever constructed and takes visitors to the heart of a particle collision,” Ms Enoch said.

Hadron Collider: Step inside the world’s greatest experiment (9 December – 25 April) provides a behind-the-scenes look into the particle physics lab at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland.

CERN’s Large Hadron Collider is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It consists of a 27 kilometre ring of superconducting magnets that was built by more than 10,000 physicists and engineers from 100 countries, and is known globally for proving the existence of the Higgs boson.

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government recognised the enormous capacity of science to expand our knowledge, solve some of the greatest challenges facing our world and improve our lives.

“Queensland is taking the lead in pushing scientific boundaries, and through our government’s Advance Queensland initiatives, we are supporting world-leading research outcomes,” Ms Enoch said.

“In March, the Queensland Museum – Australia’s most visited museum – will once again host the hugely popular World Science Festival Brisbane event, putting our state in the spotlight as a global hub for scientific excellence.”

Deputy Premier and member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said the exhibition was a great activity for the school holidays.

“The exhibition provides even more incentive to bring the kids for a day at the Queensland Museum,” Ms Trad said. “This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to experience the Hadron Collider close up.”

Queensland Museum CEO Professor Suzanne Miller, recently additionally appointed to the role of Chief Scientist for Queensland in 2017, said Hadron Collider: Step inside the world’s greatest experiment honoured the work of thousands of scientists in helping to understand the building blocks of life.

“This amazing immersive exhibition, developed by the Science Museum in London, uses tangible elements to help explain particle physics and quantum mechanics — the science of the truly tiny,” Ms Miller said.

“Visitors can talk to virtual scientists, walk the tunnels of CERN, explore the control room and stand in the heart of a particle collision to relive an historical moment of scientific discovery.

“Science is exciting. It is a way of discovering what's in the universe, how it worked in the past, today, and how it will likely work in the future.”

“The Large Hadron Collider has captured people’s imaginations like few other experiments, and we are delighted to offer our visitors the chance to see the project through the eyes of the scientists behind its design and operation.”

The exhibition is coming to Brisbane in partnership with QGC, and Vice President Tony Nunan said it is just one way the company is nurturing science in the community as part of the Future Makers partnership with the Queensland Museum Network.

“Queensland Museum Network’s Future Makers program aims to engage Queenslanders to help them better understand science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and Hadron Collider is a dynamic exhibition, which we are confident will do just that,” said Mr Nunan.

“Through the programs’ four streams we hope to help guide a new generation and foster a culture of appreciation that will result in greater participation of Australian students in STEM-related study.”

Hadron Collider: Step inside the world’s greatest experiment is on at Queensland Museum from 9 December 2016 until 25 April 2017. Tickets are on sale now through QTIX or by calling 13 62 46. Tickets cost: Adults $15, Children $12, Concession $13.50, Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $45.

Visit www.qm.qld.gov.au/hadroncollider for more information.

Media contacts: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201