Physics program promotes science across borders

High school students from Italy are studying physics at Princeton University this summer as part of a program designed to improve cross-cultural ties and promote interest in math and science.

The 20 students are visiting from several schools in the Abruzzo region of Italy, home of Italy's Gran Sasso National Laboratory, where Princeton physicists are participating in a major international particle physics experiment.

"Every year we've taken three or four Princeton physics students to Italy to work with us in the lab. They love it there, so we had the idea to bring some students from Italy to the United States," said Frank Calaprice, a professor of physics who leads Princeton's involvement in the Gran Sasso experiment.

The visiting students are taking short courses given in Italian by three Princeton scientists and a former Princeton scientist who now works at the Gran Sasso lab. They also spend one afternoon a week conducting laboratory experiments that are much the same as those done by Princeton freshmen. The program runs through Friday, Aug. 20.

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Contact: Eric Quinones (609) 258-3601