When ECP’s IB Physics students went to the Congress Centre to see Professor Brian Cox’s new show, Emergence, they knew they were in for an exciting evening exploring the universe with one of the UK’s leading popularisers of science.
What they didn’t know was that they would get to meet Professor Cox backstage during the interval. They were even treated to a quick private preview of the second half of the show from Professor Cox, making everyone feel particularly privileged to be in the presence of such a great science communicator.
The Winner of The Professor Brian Cox Prize for Physics – Kavita Doddová
Joining our current students was 2026 graduate Kavita Doddová. At ECP’s graduation ceremony in May, Kavita became the first winner of The Professor Brian Cox Prize for Physics. She was thrilled to be re-presented with her certificate by Professor Cox himself. Kavita is now studying Mathematical Engineering at ČVUT.
The show itself was certainly awe-inspiring. Based on Johannes Kepler’s experience of contemplating snowflakes on Charles Bridge in 1610, Emergence explores how the laws of Physics lead to the extraordinary complexity of the universe. Kepler fundamentally transformed astronomy from philosophical speculation into a rigorous science, based on physical laws. His work laid the foundations for modern physics and helped inspire Sir Isaac Newton.
The cinematography illustrating Professor Cox’s lecture was stunning and, as former rock star, he even gave the audience a quick blast on the guitar.
An Inspiring Evening
It was a memorable experience for our students and one that demonstrated how inspiring it can be to meet someone who has made the wonders of physics accessible to millions.
As Mariia Venherska in Year 5 said: “It was a wonderful experience to meet someone I remember watching on TV when I was a little kid, and to now be sitting there, listening to him in person and actually understanding the physics he was talking about. As a student who is just starting the IBDP, it was incredibly inspiring and gave me even more motivation to study, explore and learn more about physics.”
We would like to thank Professor Cox for being so generous with his time in the middle of a performance, and for encouraging our students in their IB Physics studies. Our thanks also go to one of ECP’s first Governors, Zuzana Feacham. Her daughter is Professor Cox’s producer at the BBC and she kindly arranged this unique opportunity for our students. And thanks also go to Karolína Santander, for her photos of such a special evening for students and staff alike. Senior Deputy Head, Tony Emmerson, said: “There was something inspiring about a packed venue, on a Friday night, listening to a mix of quantum mechanics, philosophy of science, and a clarion call to the values of the Enlightenment. Brian Cox was an absolute gentleman, talking to the students with all of the excitement of a scientist and none of the ego of a celebrity.”
Emergence World Tour
Professor Cox’s Emergence World Tour continues until the end of May 2027. After more dates in Europe, he leaves for a series of shows in the UK, including Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds and London, before crossing the Atlantic to tour the USA and Canada. Go to see it if you can, you will be inspired and amazed in equal measure!