Announcing our priority ‘impact project’ focus areas for 2024 

Last year I wrote on Physics World about our consultation with members and the wider physics community to build science and innovation impact projects which we would be working on in 2024. I’m pleased to report that the community response was fantastic. We received 26 submissions on topical physics topics. Now I’d like to give you an update on our plans and encourage you to get involved.

This week, the Institute of Physics (IOP) has released details of three ‘impact projects’ on physics topics where we will take action over the coming year.

In the Shaping the debate report (PDF, 100KB), we highlight green economy (phase two), along with space technologies and venture capital investment as our priority areas for 2024. Three other ‘light touch’ pathfinder projects, spanning artificial intelligence, medical physics and metamaterials will also be supported to develop their case for further action.

This announcement comes after an extensive consultation with IOP members and the wider physics community, who for the first time were able to submit their ideas for physics topics for the organisation to take forward as impact projects.

A panel of experts including IOP Fellows then prioritised the ideas based on fit with IOP strategy, potential for the community to demonstrate excellence in the UK and Ireland and opportunities for influence and impact.

It’s the first time an open process has been run in this way, following successful pilot ‘impact projects’ informing the £2.5bn National Quantum Technology Strategy, the £1bn National Semiconductor Strategy, and the first phase of IOP’s Green Economy project articulating physics’ central role in the energy transition.

Impact projects

Our impact projects align with our new strategy, Physics for our Future, particularly around strengthening physics across science, research, innovation and technology. The details of the three impact projects for 2024 are included below:

Green economy (phase two)

We will build on our recent phase one report articulating physics’ crucial role in key green technologies like nuclear, renewables, energy storage, hydrogen and clean fuels, and carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) – showcased in a Royal business reception. Discussions with advisors in academia and business, along with Government Chief Scientific Advisors and other senior representatives are shaping the next phase of this work. Opportunities include developing roadmaps and impact pathways for enabling green technology R&D, or an exploration insights piece on disruptive technologies such as reversing global heating using geoengineering and superconductivity energy transmission.

In the context of the launch of IOP Publishing’s (IOPP) Sustainability Science and Technology international open access journal, Green Economy (phase two) will see us continue to work with the physics community to advance the net zero energy transition.

Find out more about green economy (phase two)

Space technologies

A new physics focus this year will be space technologies. In 2020-21, the UK space industry income grew by five per cent to £17.5bn, outpacing the growth of the global space industry. We will build on strategic discussions with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and UK Space Agency to deliver an impact project in this physics topic. The project will aim to showcase the economic significance of space technologies in established sectors, as well as the potential to create new markets and develop new projects and services.

With the launch of the IOP’s new Space Special Interest Group, we have the opportunity to mobilise the physics community to help shape and inform national strategies that will drive further economic growth.

Find out more about space technologies

Venture capital investment

One-third of physics-powered businesses in the UK said that they had difficulties accessing finance that they need, especially at the scale-up phase. With the UK physics sector accounting for 11% of GDP, 10% of UK employment and one-third of all business research and development that is performed, unlocking more long-term venture capital investment is critical for helping physics powered businesses get products and services to market.

This project will strengthen IOP’s links with the investment community to support understanding of what it takes to invest successfully in physics-powered businesses, and distil lessons on how more VC investment in physics can be stimulated. This may include how to better leverage the IOP’s Accelerator which provides affordable workspace to physics-powered businesses, along with business support. This may also include how to make more of the IOP’s role in recognising excellence in business innovation through our Business Awards – some of which have close links to VCs.

Find out more about venture capital investment

Impact project pathfinders

In addition to the three impact projects, we will also be working with the community to build the case for action for potential impact projects in 2025.

These impact pathfinder projects will be on:

• The convergence of physics with AI.
• Medical physics and bridging the gap between invention and exploitation in clinical translation.
• Commercialisation and exploitation of metamaterials for applications such as ICT, sustainability, health, defence and security.

Get involved

If you are working on any of our priority physics topics for 2024, then please get in touch with us. Your expertise and knowledge would be valued. So, I encourage you to get involved in our impact projects and pathfinders.

Read our report summarising the submissions (PDF, 100KB) and register your interest in being involved with IOP impact projects at [email protected].

I hope that this update has been helpful and that you are inspired to get involved or suggest new areas we could focus on. Join us to drive action that impacts on the health of the discipline and its application in business.