A particle accelerator-themed escape room (Acceler8Escape) has been developed at the Cockcroft Institute, providing a unique way to engage participants of all ages with accelerator science. Created by Dr Morgan Hibberd (University of Manchester) in partnership with the STFC Public Engagement team at Daresbury Laboratory, players work against the clock to solve 8 interactive, hands-on puzzles that mimic real-life research skills, learning all about the key components of a particle accelerator from lasers and magnets to cavities and radiation.
The project was launched in October 2025 at the Daresbury Laboratory Family Science Day with over 400 participants and has since been delivered in primary and secondary school events for ages from 8-18, with the puzzles able to be tailored to any ability. Following this success, the project was recently awarded a €350k Horizon-funded Marie-Curie Citizens award as part of a consortium of 12 institutions across Italy, France and the UK to develop a European-wide network of educational science escape rooms. The ERNEST project will deliver large-scale public events for the European Researchers’ Night in September each year, in addition to Researchers In School initiatives bringing interactive escape room experiences to the classroom.
Upcoming events are planned throughout the year, including at Daresbury Laboratory, The University of Manchester, Manchester Science and Industry Museum and the International Scout Jamboree, so please get in touch (morgan.hibberd@manchester.ac.uk) if you are interested in taking part or want to find out more.