We hope you are looking forward to your Work Experience Week at the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI). Here is some important information, please read it all carefully before you arrive.
We will be updating this page with information as the weeks progress. If there is something you want to see here, please email us: SchoolsObs@ljmu.ac.uk
The week starts on Monday 7th July and will end Friday 11th July 2025.
Contents
Organisers
Employer name: Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
Contact name: Stacey Habergam-Mawson
Contact number: 0151 231 2954
Email: SchoolsObs@ljmu.ac.uk
ARI = Astrophysics Research Institute
Work Experience Week (or Wexweek!) is hosted by the ARI. This is a department within LJMU. The Schools' Observatory are a team within the ARI who support schools and school students to access the Universe!
During the week, activities will take place in LJMU's Student Life Building - the postcode is L3 5GE. The Student Life Building has water coolers and a café. There will be a 1-hour lunch break each day. On Monday 7th July we will be providing a free lunch.
Important Information
Health & Safety
If you feel unwell or need first aid at any time, please alert a member of staff.
If the fire alarm sounds, leave by the nearest emergency exit stairs – do not use the lift. All doors must be closed upon exit. Go to the fire assembly point and wait to be told you can return to the building.
Security
ARI staff will greet you on Monday morning at the reception in the Student Life Building. You will be given security cards so you can re-enter the building during the week. To exit, you can just approach the barrier and it will open automatically.
Conduct
No smoking, drinking, or drugs are strictly allowed on the premises, except for prescribed medication.
What we expect from you:
- Punctuality
- Politeness
- Attendance at all sessions
- Work effectively in your group
What you can expect from us:
- Professionalism
- Help if you need it
- A safe environment
- All the equipment you will need
LJMU Policies
EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY and PUBLIC AND PRODUCTS LIABILITY Insurance (pdf)
Health and Safety Policy Document (pdf)
Risk Assessment (pdf)
First Aid (pdf)
Fire Safety (pdf)
Children on University Premises (pdf)
Local Information
Things to do
Things to do in Liverpool - Trip Advisor List
There are 3 cinemas in Liverpool city centre;
- ODEON Liverpool One
- Picturehouse At FACT
- Everyman Liverpool
Liverpool also has at least 6 theaters!

Timetable for the week*
Please aim to arrive at the Student Life Building by 9:15 AM on the Monday morning.
| Day & Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday 7th July | |
| 09.15 | Arrive at the Student Life Building |
| 09.30 | Welcome and Introductions |
| 10.00 | Icebreakers |
| 11.00 | Introduction to Astrophysics |
| 12:15 | Lunch Provided by the ARI |
| 13:15 | Telescopes workshop |
| 14:35 | Break |
| 14:45 | Astronomy session |
| 15:15 | Live Robotic Observing Session |
| 15:45 | Introduction to LJMU's Robotic Telescopes |
| 16:45 | End of day 1 |
| Tuesday 8th July | |
| 09.30 | Project Briefing |
| 10.00 | Using Astronomical Data Workshop |
| 11.15 | Break |
| 11.30 | Using Spreadsheets for Research Workshop |
| 12.30 | Lunch |
| 13.30 | Research Talk |
| 14:15 | Introduction to Stars Workshop |
| 15:00 | Break |
| 15:15 | Science Communication Skills |
| 16.45 | End of Day 2 |
| Wednesday 9th July | |
| 09.30 | Project Assignments and Research Topics |
| 10:30 | Work on Group Research Projects with Supervisor |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 | Work on Group Research Projects |
| 16.45 | End of Day 3 |
| Thursday 10th July | |
| 09.30 | Creating Science Research Posters |
| 10:00 | Work on Group Research Projects |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 | Work on Group Research Projects - Submit Posters |
| 16.45 | End of Day 4 |
| Friday 11th July | |
| 09.30 | University Life (Q&A) |
| 10:15 | Student Finance & Applying to University (talk) |
| 11:15 | Careers in Physics Workshop |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Presentation Preparation |
| 13:30 | Physics Bowl |
| 14:00 | Break |
| 14:15 | Poster Presentation Session |
| 15:15 | Break |
| 15:30 | Feedback and Closing Presentations |
| 16.15 | End of Work Experience Week |
* Subject to change

