Institute of Physics

“The second quantum revolution may be coming faster than most expected - and it will be transformative.” Louis Barson, IOP Director of Science, Business and Education, spoke with Silicon Republic about the UK’s growing quantum sector, the global race for innovation, and why physics education is key to unlocking its full potential. From breakthroughs in drug discovery, transport, healthcare, communications and finance to billion-dollar deals in quantum computing, Louis says the industry is moving from theory to real-world impact. But to sustain that momentum, we need to close the quantum skills gap - starting in schools. With 25% of UK state schools lacking specialist physics teachers, we're calling for long-term investment in teacher training and STEM education. “Physics powers innovation - and quantum shows just how much value those skills can bring to society.” 🔗 Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/dsUyWx4H

Congratulations to the winners of the Technician Award as part of the #IOPAwards25! 🎉    The award - now split into two categories - recognises and celebrates the skills and experience of technicians and their contribution to physics.     The winners of the Business, Higher Education and National Research Facility Technician Award are:    🏆Joan Shaw (University of Birmingham) for support of trainee science teachers and technicians at the University of Birmingham’s School of Education in developing practical skills, and for her wider contributions to science teaching professional development across the West Midlands.    🏆Martin McLaren (University of St Andrews) for spearheading the design and creation of multi-million pound research infrastructure at the University of St Andrews.    👉 Have a look at the full list of Award winners here: https://lnkd.in/eju8j8X5

📢 We’re hiring! Join the Institute of Physics as our People and Policy Partner (Maternity Cover). In this role, you’ll: ➡️ Lead on the IOP’s HR policies and processes ➡️ Act as the first point of contact for employee relations issues and responses ➡️ Manage ER activities and provide people management advice and support to leaders and teams If you’re passionate about people, policy, and making an impact, we’d love to hear from you. 📅 Applications close: 29 October 🔗 Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dZVXRpuu

Have you got your tickets? Join leading voices in quantum science at two landmark IOP-hosted events at The Royal Institution, London on 4 to 5 November 2025. Explore the past, present, and future of quantum technology, and connect with physicists, innovators, and science communicators shaping the next century. Louis Barson, IOP's Director of Science, Business and Education explains why this event is not to be missed! 🎟️ IOP members get discounted tickets - spaces are limited. 🔗 Find out more and register: International Year of Quantum Science and Technology #QuantumYear2025 #IYQ2025 #Quantum2025

Congratulations to the winners of the Technician Award as part of the #IOPAwards25! 🎉 The award - now split into two categories - recognises and celebrates the skills and experience of technicians and their contribution to physics. The winners of the School and Further Education Technician Award are: 🏆 John Jermy (King's Ely) for over 40 years of innovative, diligent practical support of thousands of physics students in East Anglia, England. 🏆 Helen M Rose (STEM Learning UK) for leading the professional development and training programme of technicians at the National STEM Learning Centre. 👉 Check out the full list of Award winners here: https://lnkd.in/eju8j8X5

Ireland has officially joined CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research - a major milestone years in the making.   This historic step opens the door for Irish students, researchers, educators, and companies to access world-leading research infrastructure, drive innovation, and take part in groundbreaking scientific discovery.   🔗 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eRhdqP5c

This Diwali, Physics World celebrates the intersection of culture and quantum physics in conversation with Professor Rupamanjari Ghosh, a pioneering physicist and academic leader. From the symbolism of light to the pursuit of understanding quantum phenomena, Professor Ghosh shares how curiosity, collaboration, and diversity are shaping the next generation of physicists. A reminder that science, like Diwali, is about illuminating what was once unseen. Read the full feature here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eccsgmh7

Huge congratulations to Sophia Garofeanu from Quantum Motion for winning the Apprentice Award, as part of the #IOPAwards25! 🎉    This award shines a spotlight on the talent and impact of science and engineering apprentices, recognising their vital contributions to physics.    Sophia is celebrated not only for their outstanding work as an apprentice in superconducting magnet manufacturing, but also for their efforts in expanding and championing apprenticeship opportunities.    👉 Explore the full list of #IOPAwards25 winners here: https://lnkd.in/eju8j8X5

We welcome the government’s vision for reform in post-16 education - but much more detail is needed on implementation, funding, and ensuring new qualifications don’t become lower-status options.   Tony McBride, IOP Director of Advocacy, said: “It’s good that the White Paper recognises that our higher education sector and post-16 skills landscape need urgent reform if they are to open opportunities to more people and help our economy to flourish and grow.   We urge the government to listen to the voice of higher and further education, as well as students and industry, in the development of this plan for post-16 education to ensure that it results in sustained and fundamental reform and amounts to more than a short-term fix for a growing financial crisis.”   We're calling for an ambitious and progressive plan, and for the government to work with higher and further education, students and industry to deliver meaningful, lasting reform - not just a short-term fix.   🔗 Read our full response: https://lnkd.in/eZT_Paub #EducationWhitepaper #Post16Education

Congratulations to the winners of the Phillips Award! This award recognises members who have played a significant role for the IOP. 🎉    This year’s awardees are:    🏆 Dawn Watson FInstP for dedication to diversity and inclusion in the nuclear industry, developing and running a gender-inclusive mentoring scheme, and making women in physics events accessible to those across the UK and Ireland.    🏆 Christina Astin for outstanding leadership for over 30 years in widening participation in physics, especially for women and girls, through innovative education, outreach, and mentoring initiatives with national and international impact.    👉 For the full list of #IOPAwards25 winners, visit: https://lnkd.in/eju8j8X5