Planet Possibility: The power of partnership in physics outreach

Over the past three years, Planet Possibility has been on a mission to "do different things. As the lead partner in this consortium-led programme, we’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of collaboration in making physics more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for all young people.

Funded by the Institute of Physics through the Challenge Fund, Planet Possibility brought together grassroots charities, universities, and education partners across the UK. The result? Nearly 95,000 people reached, 1,000+ teachers trained, and over 200 workshops and engagement activities delivered to schools and communities.

From virtual labs and STEM trucks to TikTok videos and alumni-led workshops, the diversity of content and approaches reflected the diversity of the young people we aimed to reach. Importantly, 74% of young people reported more positive attitudes toward physics after engaging with the programme.

One of the programme’s greatest strengths was its partnership model. Each organisation brought its own expertise, whether it was Future First’s work with alumni role models, The Blair Project’s dynamic STEM truck, or the University of Southampton’s placements for neurodivergent students. This approach enabled us to tailor interventions, amplify impact, and learn from each other.

Working together helped us overcome challenges by sharing resources and exploring creative solutions, such as digital role models and cross-partner events.

As Planet Possibility has reached its conclusion, its legacy lives on. This project proved that when we pool our passion, skills, and commitment, we don’t just widen the physics pipeline, we change who sees themselves in it.