Physics for everyone – help people discover physics
Host a public lecture, event or activity to explain why physics is for everyone.
How our members bring physics to life
Last year, our network of members brought physics to half a million people at venues all over the UK and Ireland. Activities included:
- live physics experiments at fairs and festivals
- a series of lectures and talks on subjects ranging from astrophysics to artificial intelligence
Resources to help you promote physics
Our Outreach Toolkit contains resources for events and activity ideas, which include:
- demonstrating the science behind beer, exploring why it’s easier to carry beer than water and where bubbles come from
- running craft activities, such as creating light-up cards with conductive paint kits
- using a torch or other light source along with a digital camera set to a long exposure to paint a picture with light (pictured)
You’ll also find guidance about setting up your own outreach event including:
- information about how to speak to different audiences
- our event organiser checklist
- some advice about evaluating your outreach and public engagement events
Download the Outreach Toolkit (PDF, 1.14MB)
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Our toolkit also includes our Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy Summary. This is for everyone who carries out activities on behalf of the Institute of Physics and has contact with children and/or vulnerable adults. This includes staff, members and volunteers.
If you have questions about working with children and vulnerable adults, contact our outreach and engagement team at [email protected].
Find out more about our code of conduct for members.
Risk assessments and insurance
If you are running a physics-based outreach activity on behalf of the Institute of Physics, you are covered by our public liability insurance. Email [email protected] for a copy of this year’s public liability insurance.
To be covered by the IOP’s insurance, please complete a full risk assessment and send it to your national or regional manager, or email [email protected] with the subject line ‘Risk assessment’.
- Risk assessment guidelines (PDF, 94KB)
- Risk assessment template Excel (XLSX, 33KB)
- Risk assessment template Word (DOCX, 43KB)
Activities through your local branch
You can also join public engagement and outreach activities through your local branch.
Funding for public engagement
Each of our branches offer small grants of up to £1,000. Contact [email protected] to find out more.
Our Public Engagement Grant Scheme also offers up to £3,000 to support physics-based activities.
More information
Email: [email protected]