The IPT is looking for phycisists

Have you ever wondered how physical models are created? Why are equations formulated the way they are? What do these relationships reveal about everyday phenomena? If these questions intrigue you, the IPT is just for you!

What is the IPT?

The International Physicists Tournament, or IPT for short, is a global competition for physics and engineering students. It seeks to hone theoretical and experimental analytical skills through the exploration of 17 open-ended problems. Over a span of six months, participants will design, build, test, and analyze the systems proposed in these challenges, culminating in a presentation at ETH in Zurich the following spring.

IPT’s problems are framed to be easily comprehensible, yet they demand creativity and a robust grasp of physics for resolution. An added perk? You earn credits that can be applied toward your engineering physics or physics degree. Check out our syllabus right here.

A sample IPT problem

Smart water

If you let water flow in a maze you end up with a physical maze-solving algorithm. Many other algorithms and computations can be done with physical systems. Create a water-based computer (without electronics) that solves an NP-hard problem.

What do I need to know?

As a general requirement, you should be a bachelors or masters student at Chalmers or GU accepted to a physics or engineering program. That said, feel free to apply if you are enthusiastic about the tournament and think you can bring another perspective to the table.

No specific seniority or prior experience is mandated—you’ll gain ample knowledge as you delve deep into the problems. If physics excites you and you’re keen on acquainting yourself with the methodologies and cognitive processes characteristic of scientists, I’m here to guide you through any required concepts.

How do I apply?

In order to apply, you must send me a short pre-study report on one of the problems of the IPT 2024 list. You can choose between the following:

• Galton Board
• Jumpy hoop
• Salty shapes
• Alcohol soundcheck
• Bubbles under a wet glass

In your report, outline your initial reactions to the problem. Pose these questions: How would you go about it? Are there relevant equations or principles to consider? Can you conceive an experimental setup to systematically change the variables of the phenomenon??

Deadline: The report must be written in english and emailed to me in pdf format by Wednesday September 27th at 23:59