Institute of Physics

10/09/2026

Teachers, technicians and PGCE students: come along to our 25th Welsh Physics Teachers Conference in Brecon.

This fabulous week of presentations and workshops is packed with opportunities to learn, network with colleagues and celebrate with us on this great milestone!

For details and to sign up to either our online workshops, or in-person event in Brecon:

October 5 to October 7 - Online Workshops
https://WPTC26Online.eventbrite.co.uk

October 9 - In-person day
https://WTPC26.eventbrite.co.uk

02/09/2026

Yesterday at Photon 26 in Newcastle, we were honoured to host Sir Michael Berry HonFInstP as he delivered his 2025 IOP Isaac Newton Lecture, 'What we learn(ed) from rainbows?'.

Drawing on centuries of discoveries by notable physicists including Thomas Young, Isaac Newton and George Airy, Sir Michael explored how each development has built our understanding of rainbows - revealing unexpected connections across physics, mathematics and scientific thinking, while offering insights into how this knowledge could shape future applications.

A fascinating journey through the history of science, from the rainbow to the possibilities that lie ahead. 🌈🔬

31/08/2026

What happened to all the antimatter? 🌌

Join IOP VP for Science and Innovation Professor Tara Shears OBE FInstP for an inspiring evening exploring one of the Universe’s greatest mysteries.

Professor Shears will share her personal journey in physics before taking us into the world of antimatter - from what it is and why it matters, to experiments at CERN and on the International Space Station searching for answers.

Discover the latest results and find out how close we might be to understanding this elusive substance.

📅 Thursday 24 September | 6.30 to 8.30pm
📍 The Quakers Meeting House, Liverpool
🔗 Find out more and register: https://www.iop.org/events/antimatter-matters-evening-professor-tara-shears-obe-finstp

27/08/2026

Congratulations to all the scientists and researchers recognised with The Royal Society medals and awards today! 👏

A special congratulations to IOP member Professor Laura Herz, who has been awarded the Rumford Medal for her outstanding research on the physics of light interaction and energy conversion in semiconductors, including metal-halide perovskites, nanomaterials and molecules, which has had profound implications for solar cell development.

A fantastic achievement and recognition of the impact of her work.

27/08/2026

Join us at Photon 26 to hear from Sir Michael Berry HonFInstP as he delivers the 2025 IOP Isaac Newton Lecture on 'What we learn(ed) from rainbows?'

The lecture will explore how studies into rainbows over several centuries have led to unexpected connections across physics, mathematics and scientific thinking.

Discover the hidden science behind colour, waves, optical illusions, decoherence and more, and see how a familiar natural phenomenon continues to inspire new ways of understanding the world.

📅 Tuesday September 1, 7pm to 8pm
📍 University of Newcastle (The Catalyst Building, 3, Helix, Science Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TG)
👉 Free to attend, no need to register
🔗 Find out more: https://www.photon.org.uk/programme

25/08/2026

It’s the final week of our free summer exhibition, Mimi and Friends’ Big Earth Adventure, in London!

Join Mimi and the Did-You-Know Club as Granny's latest invention - a hologram projector that gives Dave the Robot the power to teleport - takes them to explore the most extreme environments on (and above!) the Earth.

Families can get hands-on with physics experiments, enjoy arts and crafts, and meet our physicists to discover how physics makes the world go round.

📍 37 Caledonian Road, London
👉 Perfect for children ages 5-11
🗓️ Every weekday, 10am-4pm, until 28 August
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mimi-and-friends-big-earth-adventure-free-family-exhibition-tickets-1992057710236?aff=oddtdtcreator

Visit our hands-on exhibition and fuel your imagination with experiments, demonstrations and puzzles.

21/08/2026

A solar eclipse is more than just a spectacular sight. It’s a reminder of our place in the universe and of the sense of wonder that connects us all.

In this thought-provoking blog, IOP member Pierre Grace explores how eclipses have inspired curiosity, discovery and shared experiences across generations. 🌘

🔗 Read it here:

IOP member Pierre Grace reflects on the sense of community created by an eclipse and the opportunities it provides for studying the Sun.

20/08/2026

Our summer exhibition, Mimi and Friends' Big Earth Adventure, is open this Saturday!

Explore some of the most extreme environments on (and above!) Earth and find out the answers to some of our planet’s biggest questions: What’s the difference between a volcano and a mountain? Why do earthquakes happen? What kind of weather comes from space?

The event is perfect for curious kids aged 5-11 and families - don't miss out!

📅 Wednesday 22 July (and every weekday until 28 August)
🕙 10am to 4pm
📍 37 Caledonian Road, London
🎟 Free, but registration is required:

Visit our hands-on exhibition and fuel your imagination with experiments, demonstrations and puzzles.

20/08/2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Alessandro Volta Prize!🏆

The European Physical Society (EPS) is inviting nominations for the Alessandro Volta Prize, recognising individuals or teams of up to three people for outstanding research and achievements in physics.

The award celebrates excellence in physics research and includes:

🔹 A medal and diploma
🔹 €10,000 prize
🔹 International recognition from the European physics community

If you know a physicist (or a team) whose work deserves recognition, now is the time to nominate them.

📅 Nomination deadline: 30 October 2026
🔗 Learn more: https://eps.org/alessandro-volta-prize-2026-call-for-nominations/

20/08/2026

Commenting on today's GCSE results, IOP chief executive Tom Grinyer said:

“Congratulations to everyone who received their exam results today! Every day I see how rewarding it is to study and work in physics and I hope many of today’s successful students will choose to continue with the subject.

"Physics opens the door to an extraordinary range of opportunities through A-levels, apprenticeships and technical routes, leading to careers in areas such as engineering, healthcare, computing, energy and advanced manufacturing. There couldn't be a better time for parents and carers to encourage young people to consider physics."