Information for members during COVID-19
This is an online ‘hub’ for members signposting to advice and support throughout this period. If you have ideas for more ways in which we can support you, please do let us know.
Important update on the IOP's London office
To help limit the spread of COVID-19, the IOP's London office at 37 Caledonian Road will remain closed to members for the remainder for the year. No events or external meetings will take place at the building during this time.
Our online programme of events and talks continues to expand, so please do keep visiting our website for full details and to register. These sessions are for the whole physics community, not just IOP members.
Online events and talks for the physics community
How the IOP is supporting access to knowledge and networking opportunities through online events.
Contacting the IOP
To contact the IOP team please get in touch with your usual IOP contact or via the relevant email address.
Maintaining your CPD during COVID-19
We are doing everything we can to support our members through this period and one way is by continuing your continuing professional development (CPD).
Benevolent Fund
If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, the Benevolent Fund may be able to offer assistance.
IOP member consultation on key priorities
Help us to understand and address the issues affecting physics and physicists as a result of the ongoing impact of COVID-19
Stories from physicists helping to tackle COVID-19
Showcasing stories from physicists who are using their physics knowledge to help tackle some of the many challenges COVID-19 brings.
Do Try This at Home: help spread the word
A new series of physics activities and demonstration videos to support parents and carers of primary school-age children. Help us reach as many parents as possible.
Physics World: news for the physics community
Matin Durrani, Editor-in-chief at Physics World, writes about the positive impact that Physics World has had during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a source of daily news for the physics community.
General information
Latest government information on COVID-19:
NHS advice on how to stay safe and check your symptoms.
How businesses can support the COVID-19 response
In the UK:
- Businesses can support coronavirus testing by offering facilities and equipment
- Offers to support with government communications (such as free media space): cv19-comms@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
- Offers to support with vaccine production: Nervtag@phe.gov.uk
- Offers to support with innovation or tech: DNHSX@nhsx.nhs.uk.
Wales - Business Wales - Covid-19 support for business
Financial support for businesses
Information for the UK including:
- Business support checker tool
- Bounce Back Loan Scheme for small businesses
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for small and medium-sized businesses
- Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
- Future Fund for innovative companies
Note that some aspects of business support are devolved. Please see here for business support for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Other sources of business support:
- Wales: support for businesses
- Northern Ireland: support for businesses
- Republic of Ireland: information from Enterprise Ireland; information from Government of Ireland
- Scotland: support for businesses
Information about employees in the public sector, or for self-employed people
The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Find out more about the package.
Support for self-employed people in Wales
Official guidance for employees, employers and businesses
- Know your employees’ rights; keep up to date with the latest advice from ACAS.
- Advice for employers on social distancing: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales.
- Information for Republic of Ireland
Sign up for Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) bulletins for business and employer support updates.
Local business support and guidance
There is a network of 38 Business Growth Hubs across England which are local public/private sector partnerships led by the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). They join up national and local business support so it is easy for businesses to find the help they need.
- England: guidance to employers and businesses
- Northern Ireland: guidance to businesses and employers
- Republic of Ireland: guidance
- Wales: guidance to employers and businesses
- Scotland: guidance
Information for academics and researchers
Visit UK Research and Innovation for the latest information about how to submit research proposals, reprioritise current grants and guidance for grant holders.
View the COVID-19 Research Project Tracker launched by UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) and Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R).
Support and resources for teachers and technicians
- Visit our dedicated page on IOPSpark for weekly updates and resources to help you work with your students remotely.
- Open forum on Talkphysics for teachers to share ideas and ask questions
- Resources for Northern Ireland
- Resources for Republic of Ireland
Information for apprentices
Apprentices should phone the National Apprenticeship Service for advice. They can be reached on: 0800 0150 600 or email helpdesk@manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk.
- Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
- Apprenticeship information for Republic of Ireland
Department for Education/ Education and Skills Funding Agency helpline
The Department have set up a Coronavirus helpline for education related queries. You can get in touch via 0800 046 8687 between 8am-6pm (Monday to Friday), or by emailing DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk.