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News

The latest news, statements and responses from the Institute of Physics.


New President, Professor Sir Keith Burnett CBE, begins his term

2 October 2023
Professor Sir Keith Burnett CBE FRS FlnstP FLSW begins his tenure as President of the Institute of Physics.

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IOP launches new focus on whole-school equity approaches to promote inclusion

29 September 2023
A new animation and sponsorship of a flagship conference shine a light on key messages from the IOP’s Limit Less campaign. 

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IOP Vice-President for Science and Innovation visits astronomical and fusion labs

26 September 2023
Professor Tara Shears leads delegation in latest instalment of meetings with members across UK and Ireland.

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Why forcing teachers to teach out of specialism needs to stop

19 September 2023
Many potential physics teachers put off by requirement to teach all three sciences, says IOP’s Head of Learning and Skills.

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IOP gives evidence to parliament on future of quantum

7 September 2023
Need for skills, investment and equity stressed in Science, Innovation and Technology Committee session.

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IOP: Horizon deal best for UK science community

7 September 2023
Disagreements around Northern Ireland Protocol had held up progress and led to period of “damaging uncertainty”.

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World famous brother and sister astronomers honoured

21 August 2023
Green plaques unveiled on Slough home of siblings who revolutionised astronomy.

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IOP responds to physics A-level results 2023

17 August 2023
Barriers to inclusion are still preventing many underrepresented groups from taking the subject after age 16.

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IOP 2023 Council election results announced

21 July 2023
We are delighted to announce our six new trustees, who will take up their posts on 1 October.

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Keir Starmer pledge on teachers could improve access to physics – IOP

6 July 2023
Labour leader’s plans must address poor teacher-retention rates.

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IOP’s Bin the Boffin campaign lights up media London

29 June 2023
Giant projections beamed onto Daily Star offices and building opposite The Sun newsroom as part of efforts to end lazy science-based reporting.

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IOP statement on the proposal for a single award science GCSE in Wales

28 June 2023
Qualifications Wales has announced plans that the IOP feels will entrench inequality.

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IOP underwhelmed by government’s response to diversity in STEM report

16 June 2023
Not enough action or detail to make a real difference to the lives of young people from underrepresented groups, says the IOP.

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IOP welcomes report calling for integrated skills system to drive a more innovative UK

14 June 2023
Similar challenges, including those around apprenticeships, were highlighted in the IOP’s own recent Solving Skills.

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Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund: 2023 awardees announced

14 June 2023
Ten new awardees revealed, taking the number of physics PhD students supported to 31.

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Celebrate our community at the IOP’s ‘great physics take-off’

26 May 2023
Free summer event, a Celebration of Physics, set to showcase the importance of physics and physicists – in aeronautical surrounds.

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UK semiconductor strategy ‘good first step’ but more will be needed

19 May 2023
£1bn funding must be seen only as a starting point and investing in physics skills will be crucial, says IOP’s Louis Barson.

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Cerca Magnetics awarded first IOP qBIG Prize

17 May 2023
Quantum brain-scanning technology rewarded by quantum Business Innovation and Growth Group.

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IOP: stereotypes holding girls back from pursuing STEM careers in Scotland

26 April 2023
Rising costs and lack of information creating barriers, report finds, as IOP holds key apprenticeships summit in the country, in Perth.

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IOP responds to government’s Horizon Europe fallback

6 April 2023
Priority must be association to Horizon Europe but it is vital science community has chance to shape alternative should it be needed.

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Leading scientific organisations join forces to highlight importance of UK’s association with Horizon Europe

5 April 2023
The Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry have jointly written to the UK Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer to emphasise the importance of UK's association with Horizon Europe.

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IOP Limit Less campaign sponsors Governors for Schools Conference

30 March 2023
Reaching school governors and trustees with the Limit Less message is a key campaign goal, says Deputy Chief Executive Rachel Youngman.

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Young people call on UK media giants to ‘Bin the Boffin’ as IOP launches national science-reporting campaign

29 March 2023
IOP launches national drive asking UK media to make reporting of science more accessible by dropping outdated cliches, using more accurate images and eliminating stereotypes.  

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IOP responds to Science and Technology Committee’s Diversity and Inclusion in STEM report

24 March 2023
IOP welcomes strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM, but highlights missed opportunity to call for mandatory whole school equity plans.

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IOP responds to Chancellor’s 2023 budget statement

15 March 2023
Good to see recognition for role of science and quantum but more needs to be done on skills and Horizon funding, says IOP Chief Executive.

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IOP President receives Philip Leverhulme Lifetime Achievement Award

13 March 2023
Professor Sheila Rowan recognised for gravitational waves research and significant contribution to the physics community.

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Calls for government to secure future of UK semiconductor industry

9 March 2023
Joint IOP-Royal Academy of Engineering report highlights issues of skills shortages, high costs and low public awareness.

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National Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy to support UK research and innovation

8 March 2023
The IOP is among the first partners of a drive to build physics-based skills and fulfil the government’s ambitions to become a science superpower.

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IOP joins R&D sector in calling for rapid association to Horizon Europe

2 March 2023
The IOP is joining representatives of the UK, Irish and wider European research, innovation and business communities to sign a joint statement urging rapid progress on UK association to EU programmes, including Horizon Europe, Copernicus and Euratom.

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Limit Less Inclusive Schools Month kicks off

1 March 2023
All month, we’re focusing on helping physics teachers to make schools inclusive and equitable for all students with new specialist teaching resources and events.

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Professor Dame Angela McLean

Professor Dame Angela McLean appointed as new UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser

21 February 2023
IOP congratulates Professor Dame Angela McLean on her appointment.

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IOP responds to Ofsted science report

8 February 2023
Need for increased emphasis on developing students’ disciplinary knowledge in physics and evidence of whole-school equity plans.

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IOP report finds physics apprentice gap damaging UK business growth

8 February 2023
Generation held back from STEM careers by stereotypes, rising costs and lack of information.

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IOP responds to news of new science department

7 February 2023
Creation of science, innovation and technology department puts physics at the heart of government at the onset of an exciting era.

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The year ahead in physics 2023

6 February 2023
A run through some of the key dates on the calendar.

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IOP responds to education secretary on physics teachers shortage

1 February 2023
Chief executive reiterates need for concerted effort, following Gillian Keegan’s comments today.

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IOP responds to chancellor’s speech on UK economy

27 January 2023
The physics sector can lead the way towards prosperity but long-term focus on future-thinking industries and specialist teachers is crucial.

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IOP-funded physics careers project launches highly anticipated digital platform

11 January 2023
Consortium-run Planet Possibility aims to improve diversity among physicists.

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IOP responds to Rishi Sunak’s maths to 18 plans

4 January 2023
Proposals to expand provision of maths education welcome but need far more detail on teacher numbers, infrastructure and support.

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