Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN)

Students take part in a science summer camp.

Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) is a free week-long program (including room and board) for current high-school students in the U.S.

PAN is sponsored by FRIB, which is a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics.

The 2024 program was held 21-26 July 2024 at FRIB on the campus of Michigan State University. FRIB faculty, staff, and students led the lectures and experiments. The annual program introduces participants to the fundamentals of the extremely small domain of atomic nuclei and its connection to the extremely large domain of astrophysics and cosmology.

The PAN @ Michigan State Experience

  • Learn about research in one of the top rare-isotope laboratories in the world.
  • Get introduced to the fascinating fields of astrophysics, precision measurement, and nuclear science.
  • Perform your own nuclear physics experiments.
  • Meet researchers who are exploring a wide array of questions.
  • Discover the surprising array of career opportunities in science.
  • Experience the atmosphere of college life.
  • Participants in the 2024 program get free room and board on campus (if required).

Application instructions

A complete application requires submission of a pre-application (complete this as soon as possible), an application, and two teacher recommendations. We use a Qualtrics survey to collect the information and send email notifications.

Eligibility: U.S. students who are currently at the high school level are eligible to apply. 

Applications for PAN 2024 are now closed. Applications for PAN 2025 will open in December.

Testimonials from PAN students

"Fantastic all-around program. It's the best summer camp I've ever attended. It is a real treat to be around people who want to chat about math and science and who are smarter than I am. It is in some ways a small taste of college."

"Learning with a group of peers interested in science the way I am was one of the best educational experiences I've had so far!"

Program Contact

FRIB Outreach Coordinator Zach Constan
Email: constan@frib.msu.edu
Phone: (517) 908-7363

Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) 2024