CNRS Nucléaire & Particules in the spotlight at Global Physics Photowalk 2025

The Global Physics Photowalk is an international photography competition organised in spring 2025 by particle physics laboratories around the world. In France, this unusual walk allowed 44 amateur and professional photographers to take a unique look behind the scenes of research at six CNRS Nuclear & Particle laboratories: CC-IN2P3 in Lyon, CPPM in Marseille, GANIL in Caen, IPHC in Strasbourg, LAPP in Annecy and LPSC in Grenoble.

In total, more than 400 photographs were taken in France and can be viewed in the IN2P3 photo library. Each laboratory then selected three images, which were submitted to an international jury in December 2025 and to the public from 13 to 27 January 206. Among the final collection of 48 photographs, three images taken in CNRS Nuclear & Particles laboratories were selected.

First prize : 'The tunnel' (public vote)

This striking image, taken by Yannig Van De Wouwer, captures the SPIRAL2 linear accelerator at the Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds (GANIL, CNRS/CEA), a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to nuclear and atomic physics. The tunnel, a symbol of the precision and complexity of scientific facilities, also reveals a fascinating industrial aesthetic.

A professional photographer since 2018, based in Boom (Belgium), Yannig Van De Wouwer discovered photography while confronting his fear of heights during climbing expeditions. Captivated by the beauty of the locations, he began to photograph them. What started as a hobby gradually became his main profession. Fascinated by technology and cutting-edge scientific facilities, he enthusiastically entered the Photowalk competition to capture the unique world of GANIL in Caen.

Second prize: 'Vacuum' (public vote)

Also by Yannig Van De Wouwer and taken at GANIL in Caen, this photograph shows a vacuum chamber, an essential piece of equipment for nuclear physics experiments. The play of light and transparency offers a hypnotic view of what is actually a highly technical tool.

Third prize: ‘Eye of a neutrino telescope’ (jury vote)

This photograph, taken by Hugo Pardinilla at the Marseille Particle Physics Centre (CPPM), reveals a fascinating close-up of a photomultiplier from the KM3NeT/ORCA neutrino telescope, installed at a depth of 2,500 metres off the coast of Provence. These ultra-sensitive light sensors, deployed in large numbers, form a giant detector ideal for studying neutrinos, some of the most mysterious elementary particles in the Universe. Through this close-up framing, the image reveals a unique view of the sensor and the technological sophistication of the instrument.

Hugo Pardinilla, 27, is a graphic designer and photographer based in Toulouse. Trained in art direction, he developed his photographic practice through apprenticeship. His long-standing curiosity about science and the living world led him to explore the links between art and scientific research, particularly around biodiversity, the theme of his thesis. His participation in the Global Physics Photowalk gave him the opportunity to surprise himself and put his photographic practice to the test. Faced with the CPPM's equipment, he produced a series of colourful and abstract images, unusual in his work, playing with the shapes, light and textures of scientific instruments.

A competition and a collective adventure

Organised in particle physics laboratories around the world, these visits revealed the aesthetic and human dimension of everyday science. For this first participation, the communications teams at CNRS Nuclear & Particles laboratories designed attractive visitor itineraries and mobilised scientists and staff.

Congratulations to the winners, Yannig Van De Wouwer and Hugo Pardinilla, as well as to all the participating photographers, scientists and host teams who contributed to the success of the 2025 edition of the Global Physics Photowalk.