LEOO science club and Emilia Plater’s mathematics and physics faculty students on a study trip to CERN, Switzerland.

From October 27 to 31, 2025, students from the LEOO science club and the mathematics and physics class of Emila Plater secondary school in Biała Podlaska took part in a school trip to Switzerland, France and Italy. The group was accompanied by teachers Renata Michalczuk and Sławomir Filipiuk, who served as chaperones. The main aim of the trip was to visit key cities in the region and gain a closer look at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.

Zurich, the biggest city of Switzerland was the first point on our trip’s programm. During a walk through the old town, we saw the historic and famous Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, as well as the waterfront of Lake Zurich. Students had the opportunity to learn about city’s rich history and it’s significant economic and cultural role in Switzerland.

The following day we travelled to Lausanne, beautifully situated on the chores of Lake Genva. We visited the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, where we learned about the history of the Olympic movement and saw memorabilia connected with the games. In the afternoon, we enjoyed a relaxing walk along the promenade in the Ouchy district, taking in stunning views of the Alps.

The third day was the highlight of the trip, as we visited CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) near Geneva. Guided tours allowed us to explore exhibitions dedicated to the Large Hadron Collider and to learn about the fundamental principles behind particle accelerators. It was an extremely interesting and inspiring physics lesson in practice. Later that day, we explored the center of Geneva, where we saw the United Nations (UN) headquarters, the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, and picturesque gardens along Lake Geneva.

On the next day, we crossed the French – Swiss border and arrived in Chamonix, a town located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. A mountain railway ride to a panoramic viewpoint allowed us to admire breathtaking Alpine landscapes and fully appreciate the majesty of the mountains.

The last part of our trip was a stop at Milan in Italy. Students had free time to explore the city on their own and try local and traditional Italian dishes.

Beyond offering unforgettable experiences, the trip significantly broadened our knowledge of science, history and European culture. We visited cutting – edge research institutions, historic cities and admired the extraordinary landscapes of the Alps. It was a time of learning, integration and shared enjoyment – one that will remain in our memories for a long time.

We would like to thank Mr. Marcin Tymoszuk, owner of the “Paulina” travel agency for organizing the trip and Libero Travel for ensuring safe and comfortable driving.