Summer School for Women in Physics, 2024
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Studies
Bengaluru, India
I attended the two week Summer School for Women in Physics (SSWP), offered by International Center for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS-TIFR), in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The entirety of the summer school had to be done in groups of four for better coordination and exchange of ideas, concepts and understanding.
The SSWP at ICTS-TIFR was an engaging but rigourous program, which fostered an inspiring environment for young women in physics. I found that diversity and inclusion in science were celebrated, as well as focused upon, while deepening understanding of complex concepts within physics.
The program involved theoretical and experimental components. The experimental component involved of performing four experiements, all derived from concepts learnt through the course of a bachelor's degree in physics, were to be conducted in groups:
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Magnetic Black Box
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Kibble Balance
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Surface Tension Diffraction
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Coupled Oscillators
All evenings of the program included tutorial sessions where we had been given numerical problems to solve based on concepts from first year courses, and had to solve them using multiple methods, whilst discussing with our teammates and explaining to instructors present about the methodology and approach taken to solve the problems.
Engaging with peers and mentors, which were also focused to enhance women's involvement in physics was deeply enriching whilst my scientific knowledge was expanded as well. The program strengthened my confidence as a woman in physics, reinforcing my commitment to contributing to both the academic community and to the broader effort towards greater representation in STEM.