About us

About us

Who we are and what we do

The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity devoted to increasing the practice, understanding and application of physics. It has a worldwide membership of over 36,000 and is a leading communicator of physics-related science to all audiences, from specialists through to government and the general public. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in scientific publishing and the electronic dissemination of physics.

Aims and objectives

We're committed to providing our members accurate, relevant and up-to-date careers information and advice; the resources we offer are tailored to help you make the most of your potential as a physicist, whether you’re still in secondary education, a university student, or you’ve already embarked on your career. Click here to see our Statement of Service.

All the resources you need

School and pre-university students can find out more about the challenges and rewards of a career in physics. What’s more, our physics.org website contains a wealth of news, games and fun activities for you to enjoy.

For Undergraduate and postgraduate students, Your Future in Physics, provides a guide to the different industries a physics degree could lead to, while our Working Life case studies show the variety of paths physicists have taken.

Our University and Beyond web-pages are packed with information and advice on higher education courses, funding your studies and getting a job.

Finally, we hold regular career showcase evenings in London, where you’ll get the chance to meet top employers with an interest in hiring physicists.

You don’t have to be a student to benefit from the IOP’s career resources. Members in employment can get advice, on reviewing your options, job seeking in a recession, getting promoted, coping with redundancy and more. We also offer an online connection to mentoring for members. This service is facilitated by the IOP, but it is delivered by members for members on a voluntary basis. Find out more about mentoring and access the guidelines provided here.

Finally, there’s access to the members' room at Portland Place, London. It’s open from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday for members to use. It has IT facilities and the latest publications and journals.

One-to-one guidance

If you’d like personalised careers advice, we recommend the following resources if:

• you’re a school and pre-university student based in England, you should contact Connexions. If you’re in Wales, you should get in touch with Careers Wales. Scottish students can access careers advice from Careers Scotland
• you’re based in Northern Ireland, get in touch with Careers Service Northern Ireland. Those in the Republic can contact Career Guidance IE
• you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student, get in touch with your free university careers service for advice
• you can’t access your own university careers service, you may be able to use the service of another through a mutual aid scheme

For members in employment, we suggest you get advice from a professional careers consultant. There are many to choose from, and we will be happy to suggest a consultant in your area.

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