Let Curiosity Radiate: Exploring Radiation 

Date

Saturday October 3, 2026
9:45 am - 4:00 pm
Event Category

What are alpha, beta, and gamma radiation— and what about X-rays and neutrons? Let your curiosity radiate as we explore different types of radiation, how they interact with the world around us, and how we can detect and work with them safely. We’ll discover how radiation helps us uncover the invisible, understand our Universe, and advance science, technology, and medicine.

This workshop is designed for high-school and first-year undergraduate students as part of Science Literacy Week. It is offered by Queen’s University’s Tier 1 research centres and institutes: Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, Carbon to Metal Coating Institute, Sinclair Cancer Research Institute, and Materials at Extremes Nuclear Research Institute, with support from the Vice-Principal Research Portfolio.

The day will be filled with conversations with researchers and hands-on science activities. The program includes:

  • Radiation 101
  • Harnessing the atom's energy: Canada's role in the nuclear renaissance  
  • Radiation in action: understanding, finding, and treating cancer  
  • Seeing atoms with X-rays  
  • Needles in the haystack: messages from the Universe hidden behind radiation  

This event is free to attend. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Capacity is limited to 40 participants.
Register today
For questions, please contact Tetyana Levcheko   tl71@queensu.ca