Computational Physics Group
This is an IOP special interest group, which is a community of IOP members focused on a particular discipline, application or area of interest.
Special interest groups allow members to connect and share knowledge and ideas. The IOP funds groups to deliver a range of activities including events, prizes and bursaries. All of our groups are driven by members.
About the group
As a special interest, member-driven group, we look at computational physics, which is broadly defined as the science of using computers to:
- support physics research
- help find solutions to physical problems
Computers have a role in almost every branch of physics. Areas in the scope of computational physics include:
- large scale quantum mechanical calculations in nuclear, atomic, molecular and condensed matter physics
- large scale calculations in fields like hydrodynamics, astrophysics, plasma physics, meteorology and geophysics
- simulation and modelling of complex physical systems like those in condensed matter physics, medical physics and industrial applications
- experimental data processing and image processing
- computer algebra in development and applications
- online interactions between physicist and the computer system
- encouragement of professional expertise in computational physics in schools and universities
Computational physics
The huge increase in the power of computers has made an impact on the role of computational physics. In some cases, entire problems can now be solved computationally without the need for any experimental input.
Computer graphics and visualisation play an important role in the scientific process. They can provide a greater understanding of physical processes. There have been advances in:
- microelectronics
- computer science
- numerical analysis
These all impact on computational physics.
What the group does
It is important that practitioners of the subject are aware of developments in these fields.
Our membership is currently about 1150. Members include those working in:
- industry
- academic institutions
- government research organisations
Joining an IOP special interest group
For non-IOP members: Become a member now
Group prize
Annual PhD Thesis Prize
This award is for significant contributions to the advancement of computational physics
Find out more about the Annual PhD Thesis Prize.
Group events
Find group events on the IOP events site.
Newsletter
Our newsletter produced at least once a year includes:
- events
- news of group activities
- announcements of meetings
- exciting applications of computational physics
Spring 2019 newsletter (PDF, 1.58MB)
Spring 2018 newsletter (PDF, 1.14MB)
Summer 2017 newsletter (PDF, 6.36MB)
Autumn 2016 newsletter (PDF, 4.21MB)
Summer 2015 newsletter (PDF, 5.25MB)
Contribute to the newsletter
Email: [email protected]
Useful links
Blog
Read more on the blog of the Computational Physics Group of the Institute of Physics.
Committee and contacts
| Chair | Dr Marco Pinna, MInstP |
| Secretary | Dr James Uhomoibhi, CPhys MInstP |
| Treasurer | Dr Bart Vorselaars, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Nicholas Chancellor, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Nikolaos Fytas, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Janusz Holender, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Mateusz Malenta, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Laura Ratcliff, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Tyler Shendruk |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Jonathan Smith, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Professor Gavin Tabor, CEng CPhys FInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Mr Kartik Tiwari |
Mailto: [email protected]