Science Mentorship Ladder talk-"Particle Fever- The Search for the Fundamental Laws of the Universe and the Theory of Everything"
As a part of the Science Mentorship Ladder initiative, where senior students become mentors in science for their younger peers, an engaging session titled "Particle Fever - The Search for the Fundamental Laws of the Universe and the Theory of Everything" was conducted on 20 May 2026, by Shrey Gogia, School.alumnus from the Batch of 2020. Having completed his undergraduate degree in Physics at IIT Kharagpur, he has been involved in research at international institutes in Paris and Zurich and is now pursuing a doctorate at Rice University. The session aimed to introduce students to the fascinating world of modern Physics, scientific discovery, and the universe's unanswered mysteries.
The talk began with a captivating journey through the history of atomic theory, from the early ideas of Democritus to the discovery of electrons, protons, neutrons, quarks, and the Standard Model of Particle Physics. Through clear explanations and visually engaging slides, students were introduced to the concept of fundamental particles and how scientists attempt to understand the basic building blocks of matter.
One of the highlights of the session was the discussion of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the discovery of the Higgs Boson. Students were fascinated to learn about the enormous scale of the collider and how scientists use such experiments to study the universe at its smallest scales. Concepts such as dark matter, dark energy, gravitational waves, antimatter, superconductors, and quantum computers were also discussed in a simple, engaging manner, making advanced scientific ideas accessible and exciting to students.
Shrey spoke about the importance of pursuing pure science and explained how discoveries in Physics eventually lead to technologies that impact everyday life, including MRI machines, GPS systems, and quantum computing. By connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications, he encouraged the students to look at science not merely as a subject but as a powerful tool for exploration and innovation.
The session became even more inspiring as Shrey shared his experiences working in research environments abroad and spoke about the curiosity and passion required in scientific research. His journey from The Indian School to IIT Kharagpur and now towards a doctorate at Rice University motivated many students to explore opportunities in higher studies and scientific research.
The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer round in which students raised thoughtful questions about Particle Physics, research opportunities, higher studies, and careers in science.
Overall, the workshop proved to be highly enriching and inspiring, encouraging students to remain curious, ask questions, and explore the wonders of science beyond the classroom.