Platform for theoretical physicists?

[FilipLand]

I’m a young very ambitious student who would like to embrace a project.

As a third year undergrad I feel pretty alone. My fellow colleagues are not very forward thinking nor want to do anything besides pass the exams.

Are there any platforms/associations for young theoretical physicists?

At my university it’s also very hard to join a research group.

What are your thoughts and experiences? Where do I look to find likeminded curious young physicists to mingle, discuss ideas and work on projects?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Demystifier]

If you propose a specific topic on which you want to work, I think here you might find senior physicists who can give you further advices.

 

[Hypercube]

Where do I look to find likeminded curious young physicists to mingle, discuss ideas and work on projects?

Have you joined any student societies or clubs? That's a good way to socialise.

Are there any platforms/associations for young theoretical physicists?

Nearly all physics research areas have both theoretical and experimental component, so you need to be more specific.

 

[jtbell]

Have you joined any student societies or clubs?

In the US we have a national Society of Physics Students for undergraduates, with local chapters at most universities and colleges. It sponsors activities and conferences specifically for undergraduates. Also, most regional and national conferences of the American Physical Society have sessions or activities related to undergraduate research. Perhaps there's something similar in the OP's country.

 

[Hypercube]

In the US we have a national Society of Physics Students for undergraduates, with local chapters at most universities and colleges. It sponsors activities and conferences specifically for undergraduates. Also, most regional and national conferences of the American Physical Society have sessions or activities related to undergraduate research. Perhaps there's something similar in the OP's country.

Oh, that's very centralised. I don't think we have anything like that in Australia. But most professional associations here have a student chapter, with various opportunities and seminars for undergrads. Some organise networking events with discounted prices for students.
I am not sure about physics society, but I remember attending technical lunches organised by Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG) and PESA (Petroleum Expl. Society). I met a good number of working professionals from Chevron, ConnocoPhillips, Woodside, etc.
(Plus, AU$35 for being served a full course meal while listening to a talk in a 5-star hotel is a pretty good deal for a student.)

 

[DrClaude]

At my university it’s also very hard to join a research group.

Why do you say that? Have you tried approaching some professors?

 

[FilipLand]

Have you joined any student societies or clubs? That's a good way to socialise.


Nearly all physics research areas have both theoretical and experimental component, so you need to be more specific.

Thanks for your reply. Yes I'm a member of an association in Nano-technology at the university, which is the only association there is, and they surve the purpose to improve the faculty so it's not directly relevant.

 

[FilipLand]

In the US we have a national Society of Physics Students for undergraduates, with local chapters at most universities and colleges. It sponsors activities and conferences specifically for undergraduates. Also, most regional and national conferences of the American Physical Society have sessions or activities related to undergraduate research. Perhaps there's something similar in the OP's country.

Very interesting, I'm familiar with that. No general analogous version of that in Sweden though.

 

[FilipLand]

Why do you say that? Have you tried approaching some professors?

Hi!

Yes. They prioritize 5th year master-students (which I will be in two years), which is understandable since third year students can't bring so much to the table, other then computational models, measurements and just bee there ad learn.

How is it at your university?

 

[DrClaude]

Hi!

Yes. They prioritize 5th year master-students (which I will be in two years), which is understandable since third year students can't bring so much to the table, other then computational models, measurements and just bee there ad learn.

How is it at your university?

Here also, it is mostly masters students that do research, but I am disappointed to hear that an eager younger student is not able to find some research project. I've helped a couple of younger students in the past.