Above: At SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s KIPAC Visualization Lab, a confirmed tour stop at PhysCon 2016, visitors watch 3-D movies that explain the history of the universe, from the birth of the first stars to the formation of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Image courtesy of SLAC .
Spend a packed weekend making new connections, interacting with scientists and distinguished speakers, debating common concerns for the physics community and society, and visiting iconic scientific venues.
The Quadrennial Physics Congress (PhysCon) brings together physics students, alumni, and faculty members for three days of frontier physics, interactive professional development workshops, and networking. It is the largest gathering of undergraduate physics students in the world! Hosted by Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society, anyone interested in physics is invited to attend.
PhysCon 2016 will be a cutting-edge, life-changing meeting where participants will be immersed in theme “Unifying Fields: Science Driving Innovation.” This meeting happens just once every four years, and presents unique opportunities for attendees to:
- Bond with fellow physics students from across the United States and beyond.
- Explore graduate programs, summer research opportunities, and workforce options.
- Be inspired by renowned physicists and tours of labs at the forefront of science and technology.
- Grow professionally through workshops on communication, inclusion, and leadership.
- Expand their understanding of physics and its variety of applications.
- Present their research to fellow students, potential graduate school advisors, and potential employers.
2016 Theme
Reading List
- Unifying Fields: Science Driving Innovation, by William Degraffenreid, Co-Chair of the 2016 Quadrennial Congress Planning Committee (The SPS Observer, Fall 2015)
- Science Driving Innovation, by Robert G. W. Brown, Chief Executive Officer, American Institute of Physics (The SPS Observer, Fall 2015)
- Come to Congress: How to Start Preparing for the Largest National Gathering of SPSers, by Brittney Hauke, Planning Committee Member, 2016 Quadrennial Physics Congress (The SPS Observer, Summer 2015)
- Why You Should Attend the 2016 Congress, by Steve Feller, Co-Chair of the 2016 Quadrennial Congress Planning Committee (Radiations, Fall 2015)
- Prepping for Congress: Reflections on Getting Ready for the Big Event, by DJ Wagner, President, Society of Physics Students (The SPS Observer, Winter 2015