Would you be able to solve these problems?
From February 6 to 8, the Université Grenoble Alpes hosted the 12th edition of the French Physicists’ Tournament (FPT), a competition bringing together undergraduate and master’s students. Organized outside the Île-de-France region for the first time, this event gathered numerous teams from higher education institutions across France, providing a stimulating environment to test their physics knowledge and skills.
Several months of scientific preparation
Since September, participating students have been working on 11 diverse scientific problems, exploring questions such as: “Under what conditions does each type of motion occur on a magnetic ring?” and “What is the resistance of a paper blade, and what material can it cut?” These challenges required a methodical approach, combining experimentation, modeling, and scientific argumentation.
The Physics’ Fights: Debates at the Heart of the Tournament
Each year, in early February, all teams gather to defend their work during the Physics’ Fights, true scientific debates. Taking turns, they present their research and compare their analyses with those of other participants, fostering a spirit of rigor and exchange. This format closely mirrors the stages of a research project, from the initial work to the critical discussion of results.
An Organization Led by PhD Students and Supported by Institutions
The event was organized by a group of PhD students from the youth section of the French Physical Society, with the support of the PEPR Spin program. Thanks to their dedication, the tournament brought together 140 participants, including students, mentors, judges, and accompanying staff.
A Victory for the École Polytechnique
At the end of the debates, it was the team from École Polytechnique that emerged victorious and will represent France at the International Physicists’ Tournament (IPT) 2025 in Poland. This is a significant recognition for these students, whose rigor and scientific spirit made all the difference.
