Newly launched members network promotes debate

The Institute of Physics

23 September 2008

MyIOP

The Institute of Physics (IOP) is launching its members’ network ‘MyIOP’ today. The network will provide an up-to-the-minute means for all those interested in physics to communicate with one another.

The IOP currently has some 35,000 members. Their interests are many and varied. 50 different specialist groups focus on individual areas of physics, and 13 national and regional branches reflect the geographical spread of the membership in the UK and Ireland.

The new network will allow these groups to interact with one another instantly and easily via the internet. It will also provide a completely new way for members to communicate with one another right across all areas of interest on any topic that they choose, whether it is news from the Large Hadron Collider or the anticipated outcome of the Wakeham Report.

Members themselves will influence the site’s development, and we expect the network to grow organically, following whichever directions members decide to take.

Members will have the opportunity to upload messages, links and documents as well as videos and audio recordings to build a library of information and a valuable shared resource on physics topics, career development, conferences and events.

Beth Taylor, Director of Communications at the IOP, said “’MyIOP’ will give our members the chance to communicate directly with one another across all physics disciplines. It will be a valuable tool for all members of the physics community. And for the first time, our overseas members can engage in discussion and debate with colleagues, just as easily as those of us who can attend local branch meetings.

“Even though I am new to Web 2.0 applications myself, I am looking forward to using ‘MyIOP’ as an easy and convenient way of staying in touch with others, and joining lively debates on a variety of topics.

“This is a very exciting time for physics, and a lot of big questions have been raised from the existence of the Higgs boson to the balance between fundamental and applied research.  I’m glad that we have been able to introduce this new facility, which will allow members to debate the issues in the news.”

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