Cosmic rays are high-energy charged particles that originate beyond the Solar System and travel through space at speeds close to that of light. Discovered in 1912 by Victor Hess, they opened a new window onto the high-energy Universe and played an important role in the early development of modern particle physics. Today, cosmic rays provide a fascinating link between fundamental physics and astrophysics. Their study connects topics familiar from physics teaching — such as electromagnetism, relativity, plasma physics, nuclear physics, and radiation processes — to some of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe, including supernova explosions, black hole jets, and the evolution of galaxies.

Observations in radio and gamma-ray astronomy have shown that cosmic-ray electrons and protons produce characteristic non-thermal radiation, allowing us to study otherwise invisible processes in space. Over the past decades, theoretical and computational advances have greatly improved our understanding of how cosmic rays are accelerated in shocks, how they propagate through galaxies, and how they interact with magnetic fields and interstellar gas. Most remarkably, cosmic rays are now understood not merely as passive constituents of galaxies, but also as active agents that can influence the structure and evolution of entire galaxies. By driving powerful galactic winds, they transport energy and matter far beyond galactic disks and play an important role in galaxy formation and feedback processes.

This one-day workshop will provide a pedagogical introduction and a topical overview of cosmic rays, with a special emphasis on connecting modern research to concepts relevant for physics teaching at high-school and college level.

Topics will include:

• Cosmic ray properties and observations
•  Acceleration of cosmic rays in supernova shocks
•  Transport of cosmic rays through galaxies
•  Cosmic rays and their role in galaxy formation
•  The multi-messenger view of galaxies: from radio and gamma rays to cosmic rays

The workshop is intended for physics high-school teachers and two-year college instructors in bringing modern astrophysics into the classroom and understanding how cosmic rays connect fundamental physics with the large-scale evolution of the Universe.

We expect to open registration for this conference in summer 2026. Stay tuned!