The goal of the visit was to stimulate interest in the Natural and Technical Sciences and to familiarise students with modern research methods in contemporary physics. Students were able to see that physics is not just theory but also a tool for solving real-world problems, such as monitoring cosmic rays, medical diagnostics (PET, computed tomography), and the study of biological materials and microstructures in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
The visit programme included a short introductory lecture and a tour of two specialised laboratories: one for electron microscopy and the other for the construction of cosmic ray detectors. The students were divided into groups that alternated between the two activities.
In the electron microscopy laboratory led by dr hab. Adam Busiakiewicz, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, students learned how a microscope works and saw images of micro-scale structures – including the surfaces of technical materials and fragments of detectors.
In the cosmic ray detectors lab, mgr Michał Karbowiak, introduced young participants to the world of muons – cosmic ray particles – and demonstrated how these particles can be detected using scintillation detectors and microcontrollers. The students also saw components of the measurement systems used in the project to build the educational equipment.
The visit was part of the popularisation activities of the MAZE-LAB Łódź project, which aims to develop young people's scientific interests, popularise particle physics and cosmic rays, and introduce students to the world of real scientific research in the spirit of Citizen Science.
The project is financed by the Minister of National Education. The project is being implemented under Agreement No. MEN/2025/DK/1008 as part of the Minister of Education's "Discoverers" programme for 2025.
