Alice’s Oz trip out of this world

STREWTH! Physics student Alice Howarth is heading Down Under

TALENTED physics student Alice Howarth will swap Oldham for Australia as one of only five teenagers from the UK chosen to take part in an international science school.

Alice, who attends Oldham Sixth Form College, will hear talks by leading research scientists from around the world and conduct experiments at Sydney University from June 28-July 11.

Only five students from Britain won a scholarship to the Professor Harry Messel International Science School. They will join 135 others from Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the USA.

Alice (17), from Rochdale, wants to study astrophysics at Manchester University and wrote an essay on exoplanets — planets that orbit a star other than the Sun — as part of her application.

Her scholarship is funded by the Ogden Trust, which promotes physics.

Alice said: “I still can’t believe it! I worked hard on my essay and application, but I didn’t really think I’d be chosen. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m really excited about taking part.”

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