The XV NExT PhD Workshop: Future Horizons in Particle Physics was held at Cosener's House, Abingdon, 14-17 July 20205.

The NExT PhD workshop is the Summer School of the NExT Institute, targeting PhD students working in theory, experiment and phenomenology within particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Other than to PhD students from the NExT Institute nodes, it is also open to those from all other UK institutions.

The programme includes five lecture series on current topics in high energy physics, with an emphasis on cutting edge developments, networking and panel events discussing careers inside and outside of academia, and dedicated sessions for student talks and poster presentations.

SEPnet were please to contribute, organising an Industry Employer round table session. Physics PhD alumni employers from diverse sectors shared their experiences and gave an insight their sectors. Participants included a Photonic Engineer, A group leader for sample environment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source , A team leader for radiation detection and a Patent Attorney Advocate.

Physics-Industry Collaboration: Exploring the gap between Physics Students and Graduate Jobs

Thursday 10 July 2025, International Student House, London W1W5PN

Supported by the Institute of Physics

Chaired by Professor Sir William Wakeham

From last year’s meeting High Fliers Research presented a ‘snapshot’ of the career readiness, expectations, and aspirations of the graduating class of 2024. The research identified several key themes when comparing physicists to students from all other degree subjects. Firstly, physicists were less likely to engage in careers skills sessions and so less prepared for job hunting. Secondly, the data suggested physicists were less aware of how their skills ‘translate’ to different graduate careers.  As a result, physicists had less success in applying for graduate roles than their subject peers.   

To navigate the complexities of today’s job market and to adapt to new recruitment technologies physics students need self-awareness of their degree skills and to grasp how their skills and attributes fits the graduate job market. This remains a challenge, summed up by a quote from a York physics student who had recently attended an interview for a graduate technical role:

The IOP’s recent new research on the critical role of physics skills reveals that while they underpin productive industries in every part of the UK, there is still significant unmet demand for these skills which is impacting employers’ ability to grow and innovate.

In this context SEPnet and WRIPA are hosting a one-day meeting to explore how rapid technological advancements and shifting market demands are shaping the associated workforce skills needs, employer recruitment processes and what this means for the teaching and assessment of degree-level physics.

We will hear from the IOP about how they are tackling the skills shortage and opening up opportunities to Physicists from all backgrounds, and how they can support academics to make changes to their embedded employability to encompass current innovations and meet new skill demands.

We will also share best practice examples, in physics and other disciplines, on how to effectively embed curricular employability skills. and This meeting is also an opportunity for employers to find out how the physics curriculum is evolving to meet these needs and for academics to hear first hand the skills employers are currently looking for.

Detailed programme and copies of the presentations can be found here.