On 25 March 2026, the IPPP welcomed 92 sixth form students and 7 teachers to Durham University for this year’s International Particle Physics Masterclass, organised by Jessica Turner. The event brought together students from five schools — Gosforth Academy, Cramlington Learning Village, Thirsk School and Sixth Form College, Newcastle School for Boys, and Durham Sixth Form Centre — as well as one individual parent and student who travelled from London, for a day of discovery, discussion, and hands-on science. The morning began with a lively particle physics card game, which encouraged students to think creatively about the building blocks of matter and how physicists organise the particles of the Standard Model. This was followed by a series of introductory talks that set the scene for the day. Zara Graham-Jones spoke about Why Neutrinos Matter, Dr Ivan Martinez Soler gave a talk on What is the Universe Made of?, and Dhruv Pasari introduced the afternoon activity with a...

  Valya Khoze was elected by the IPPP members and confirmed by Durham University and the IPPP Steering Committee to replace Michael Spannowsky and will start as director from 1st of March 2026.

After six years at the helm of the IPPP Michael Spannowsky stepped down from his post as Director on the 28th of February 2026. All IPPP members would like to thank him for his tireless efforts leading the institute and raising its recognition nationally and internationally and wish him all the best in his new post in Karlsruhe. From the first of March 2026 Valya Khoze will take over the Director post.