Inside the world’s particle‑physics labs: Global Physics Photowalk 2025 winners revealed

This is the fifth international photowalk following events held in 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018 The post Inside the world’s particle‑physics labs: Global Physics Photowalk 2025 winners revealed appeared first on Physics World .

7 April 2026 at 09:27 am

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Inside the world’s particle‑physics labs: Global Physics Photowalk 2025 winners revealed

In the world of particle physics, labs around the globe are bustling with activity, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. This year, the International Network of Particle Physics Institutions, known as the Interactions Collaboration, hosted the fifth edition of the Global Physics Photowalk in 2025. This event, which has taken place every few years since 2010, invites amateur and professional photographers to capture the essence of particle physics laboratories. This year, 16 labs from around the world opened their doors to photographers, resulting in a diverse collection of images that showcase the fascinating world of particle physics.

The Global Physics Photowalk 2025 saw each participating lab submit their top three images, making a total of 48 entries. These images were then evaluated by a panel of judges, who selected their top three favorites. Simultaneously, the public was invited to vote for their favorite images through an online poll held between 13 and 27 January. The winners of both the judges' selection and the public vote were announced, highlighting the vibrant and collaborative spirit of the particle physics community.

The judges' first-place winner was Marco Donghia's photograph, which features a researcher seated in front of the Cryogenic Laboratory for Detectors at INFN National Laboratories in Frascati, Italy. The experiment housed within this laboratory aims to detect extremely weak and rare signals, such as those produced by dark matter. Donghia's image captures the stark contrast between the cold, scientific environment of the laboratory and the warmth of human curiosity and determination. The researcher's focused expression and the intricate machinery surrounding them evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the incredible discoveries that can be made within the walls of these labs.

Donghia expressed his emotions upon learning of his win: "Finding out I had won left me speechless. The cryostat I photographed is just a few fractions of a degree above absolute zero, yet this recognition filled me with such warmth and emotion that no cryogenic temperature could cool them down." This poignant statement underscores the profound impact that these laboratories and the work conducted within them have on both the scientists and those who capture their essence through photography.

The public vote also yielded a fascinating result, with the first-place image showcasing the back of the linear accelerator of SPIRAL2 at the Large Heavy Ion National Accelerator (GANIL) in Caen, France. This image offers a striking view of the technological marvel that is the SPIRAL2 accelerator, highlighting the scale and complexity of the equipment used in particle physics research. The public's choice reflects their appreciation for the awe-inspiring advancements in technology and science that these labs represent.

In the judges' competition, second place was awarded to Matteo Monzali for his photograph of the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array photon detector coupled with the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer. This experiment, based at the TANDEM-ALPI-PIAVE accelerator complex at INFN National Laboratories in Legnaro, Italy, showcases the intricate interplay between cutting-edge technology and the pursuit of knowledge in particle physics. Monzali's image captures the intricate details of the equipment, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe that these experiments seek to unravel.

The Global Physics Photowalk 2025 not only celebrates the stunning imagery of particle physics laboratories but also serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives research in this field. The event brings together photographers and scientists from around the world, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for understanding the fundamental nature of matter and energy. As we continue to explore the universe and push the boundaries of our knowledge, events like the Global Physics Photowalk remind us of the beauty and wonder that lies within the world of particle physics.

Source: Physics World

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