Photo of PHMS students with NTU alumnus in his lab
In July 2025, students from NTU’s School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS) embarked on a study trip to Switzerland, visiting some of the world’s most renowned scientific institutions: ETH Zurich, EPFL, and CERN. Over four days, they explored cutting-edge laboratories, engaged directly with PhD researchers, and witnessed the scale, complexity, and collaborative nature of frontier scientific research. The experience offered them not only academic insight but also inspiration for their personal and professional growth.
Anuj Govinda Rao: Appreciating the Scale of Research
Anuj shared that while he largely did not grasp the technical details, he was deeply impressed by the sheer scale and planning behind the experiments. “I was humbled by the vast gap between the physics we learn in the classroom, and the actual research that is conducted at the forefront of physics,” he reflected. He found the collaborative nature of experimental physics striking and appreciated how PhD students generously shared their time and wisdom. “We learned a great deal from them and appreciated their advice.”
Chan Lok Hin Gordon: Seeing CERN’s Complexity Firsthand
For Gordon, the trip was as much about experiencing a professional research environment as it was about sightseeing. “This was the very first time I have ever stepped into CERN. It is a massive facility… it has a central location to produce protons, which are then transported via various tunnels to various sites for experiments. It is basically a proton factory!” He learned from NTU alumnus Ian Yap about daily routines, supervision, and the operational complexity of CERN. Gordon valued the opportunity to see how large-scale research is managed in a professional setting.
Le Yang: Collaboration Across Disciplines
Le Yang reflected on ETH’s welcoming environment and the thoughtful guidance provided by the lab guides. “The lab tours were incredible as we saw how much thought went into the design of the experiments, and the lengths that they went to isolate the experiment from external noise.” He was particularly intrigued by research on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamonds and plasma physics. Visiting CERN reinforced for him that modern physics research relies heavily on interdisciplinary collaboration.
“There is so much collaboration between scientists and engineers across different fields in pursuit of the same goal: to uncover the mysteries of the universe for the betterment of humanity.”
Tan Jun Xiong highlighted the diversity of projects, from nanosensors at ETH to the Neutrino Platform at CERN. “Insights about research included the crossing of disciplines, from engineering to design to Physics, required in maintaining the experimental set-up.”
He enjoyed seeing international collaborations, such as DUNE in the USA and T2K in Japan, and was inspired to continue pursuing experimental physics with the same passion he experienced on the trip.
Huang Zini: Exploring, Learning, and Healing
Huang emphasized both academic and personal takeaways. “A PhD student at ETH Zurich told me that I don’t have to be anxious about deciding what I want to do in the next twenty years now. I just need to explore any field I am interested in and it would tell me where to go next.” He also appreciated Switzerland’s slower pace of life and how the environment contributes to scientific innovation. “Science and environment are inseparable… this seven-day trip was like a wonderful dream. It gave me a lot of inspiration and healing.”
Fan Jin Jie Ben: Connections and Motivation
Our fellow Singaporean PhD student (left) enthusiastically show us around his fusion chamber lab with another EPFL PhD student (right)
For Ben, meeting a Singaporean doctoral student at EPFL left a lasting impression. “Seeing someone from our small island nation thriving at one of Europe’s top universities felt quietly electrifying. That chance encounter made a possible future look a little more real.” He also valued the exposure to different laboratories and the mix of science, hospitality, and culture. “The trip widened my view in ways I didn’t predict: brilliant science, warm hospitality, and tiny moments of connection that carry outsized meaning.”
Lois Lee Si En: Curiosity and Perseverance
Picture taken in Swiss Plasma Centre, EPFL.
Lois, a chemistry student, appreciated insights beyond her discipline. “One speaker advised us to remain open to exploring different topics, as we may discover a passion for areas we never initially considered. Another key takeaway was the importance of perseverance. Groundbreaking work often requires decades of dedication—sometimes more than 50 years—before real breakthroughs can be achieved.” She found inspiration in embracing curiosity, adaptability, and persistence in her own journey.
Low Chee Liang: Networking and Proactive Learning
Low reflected on the importance of building connections. “The NTU summer student at CERN taught me the importance of connections in the world of physics, how I could get them, and how I could get ahead… In the future I will be more proactive with my professors in NTU.” His takeaway highlighted how networking and mentorship play critical roles in research careers.
Qi Zhi: Humility and Lifelong Learning
Qi Zhi focused on the scale and complexity of physics research. “There is just so much physics (and knowledge) waiting for us to discover and in our short human life, it is not possible to know everything there is to know in this world. This reminds us that we have to be humble and continue to learn, regardless of which stage of life we are in.” Visiting the ETH labs and CERN gave him a deeper appreciation for meticulous experimental design and modern research techniques.
Shri admitted that much of the physics was beyond his understanding, but the experience renewed his academic focus. “From this trip I changed how I am going to approach university and put more focus on stuff like research projects rather than just base grades. Seeing the kind of life that could await me reignited the passion I have for the subject.”
Su Youyou: Making Science Tangible
Me at the Swiss Plasma Center TCV
Su Youyou reflected on the historical and modern aspects of science. “Before, I didn’t have a picture of scientific work… After the trip, my mind completely changed. It helps me experience what scientists’ lives really are, and encourages me to put more effort so that I will join them one day.” He appreciated seeing advanced experiments on nuclear fusion, cavity optomechanics, and NVC.
Tan Hui Yang: Persistence Behind the Breakthroughs
Tan Hui Yang observed that real scientific breakthroughs require consistent effort. “Much of a scientist’s work involves troubleshooting, debugging, refining setups, and tackling the most fundamental tasks. Great breakthroughs are built on a foundation of persistent, meticulous effort, starting from the basics, adapting to challenges, and solving problems step by step.”
Yap Chee Xing: Seeing Possibilities Within Reach
A photo of me with the Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) at EPFL.
Yap Chee Xing focused on the people behind the science as much as the experiments. “Seeing NTU alumni working in world-class European research institutions has inspired me to believe that such achievements are within reach.” He valued learning about the technical setups, sophisticated equipment, and the roles of engineers and safety officers in enabling cutting-edge experiments.
The SPMS study trip to Switzerland provided students with more than academic knowledge; it offered inspiration, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to work at the forefront of science. Their reflections show that international exposure challenges assumptions, sparks curiosity, fosters connections, and motivates future scientists to pursue discovery with humility, dedication, and ambition.