Vice-President for Membership: Dr Elizabeth Cunningham MInstP FRAS

Elizabeth is a nuclear physicist working at the University of Surrey for the Science and Technology Facilities Council Public Engagement Team.

In a varied career studying astronomy, astrophysics and nuclear physics, she has examined the exotic nuclear matter created in stars at Canada’s national nuclear physics laboratory, completed her doctorate in theoretical nuclear physics at Surrey and worked as a Planetarium Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

She has also carried out research into the atmosphere of Saturn’s largest moon Titan at Imperial College London.

She joined her local Institute of Physics (IOP) South Central Branch Committee in 2007 as a PhD student to become an active ambassador for the IOP. Since then, she has joined other IOP committees and groups including the Membership Committee and the Outreach and Public Engagement Network.

Elizabeth is also a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and Astronomer Emeritus at Royal Museums Greenwich.

She is a member of the Council Members Reference Group, Inclusion & Diversity Committee, Professional Development & Accreditation Committee and Honorary Fellows Committee, and chairs the Disciplinary Committee and Nations and Branches Committee.