Engineering Physics Group
The Engineering Physics Group (EPG) exists to support those who work on the interface between physics and engineering.
Although the initiatives are promoted by a committee, the success of these are largely dependent on EPG membership as a whole.
There are three main areas in which the EPG aims to facilitate professional development and support. The EPG committee will aim to :
- Ensure that EPG members have relevant support and encouragement to help their progression through all levels of Institute of Physics membership. The professional qualifications; CPhys, CSci, CEng and EurIng will be promoted
- Support Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Up to date information on relevant interdisciplinary conferences, courses and seminars will be supplied to EPG members and specific conferences promoted, where appropriate
- Promote entrepreneurship. The EPG aims to provide some focus for; technical problem solving, technical product development, the management of technology transfer, funding and intellectual property rights
Recognising that physics based technologies and engineering play an important role in the wealth creation of the nation, the EPG has a unique role amongst the groups of the IOP. The promotion of the public awareness of 'Science, Engineering and Technology' (SET) is considered to be an important part of the EPG remit, and one of the major activities of the EPG Committee is to take part in and respond to matters of SET policy. A further important consideration is the promotion of physics as a subject at school, as a basis for careers in both physics and engineering. The EPG Committee will work to develop links between the engineering community and the physics education policy makers.
A lack of confidence and a feeling of isolation are commonly cited problems for graduate physicist working in an engineering or industrial environment. The EPG will provide a focus for active networking by members in order to give access to practical forms of help such as; career mentoring and locating sponsors for professional qualification applications.
