Institute of Physics

Invest in your future by being intentional about your professional development.

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, strengthen your skills, or advance your expertise, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) from the IOP can help you reach the next level.

Take the next step in your professional journey and explore the opportunities available today: https://www.iop.org/membership/continuing-professional-development

What makes the summer solstice more fascinating than simply being the longest day of the year?

In this blog post, astrophysicist Dr Darren Baskill explores the science behind the solstice and reveals some surprising facts about our planet:

☀️ Why the Earth’s 23.4° tilt creates the seasons
🌍 Why the earliest sunrise and latest sunset don’t happen on the solstice itself
⏱️ Why the Earth is a surprisingly poor timekeeper
⭐ How Polaris won’t always be our North Star
🧭 Why the Arctic Circle is slowly moving northwards

Read the blog and discover the science behind the longest days of the year: https://www.iop.org/about/blogs/science-of-summer-solstice

Have you helped build a stronger physics community?

Whether you’ve organised events, supported fellow students, championed inclusion, inspired others to engage with physics, or contributed to professional development opportunities, your impact deserves recognition.

The IOP Student Community Contribution Prize celebrates students and recent graduates who have gone above and beyond to strengthen the physics community and create opportunities for others.

🏆 Open to student and postgraduate IOP members, including those within three years of graduation who remain active in the physics community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the difference you’ve made, gain recognition for your contributions, and inspire others to get involved.

Find out more and apply: https://www.iop.org/physics-community/university-student-community/contribution-prize

Scottish quantum hardware start-up wins major physics innovation prize 🏆

Glasgow-based quantum hardware manufacturer Quantcore has been awarded this year’s IOP qBIG prize, which recognises breakthroughs in the commercialisation of quantum technologies.

The company, a spin-out from the University of Glasgow and based at the university’s Advanced Research Centre, recently secured £2.5m in seed funding from a range of backers.

Quantcore is developing superconducting processors, resonators, and sensors used in quantum computers and sensing systems. A key innovation is its use of niobium-based components, which can operate at higher temperatures than materials currently used in many quantum computing systems.

The qBIG prize, awarded by the IOP's quantum Business Innovation and Growth group, celebrates innovation and real-world commercialisation in quantum technologies. The award was presented at the Economist’s Commercialising Quantum 2026 event, is supported by venture capital fund Quantum Exponential, and includes £10,000 in funding, mentoring, and additional business support.

Other finalists included Mater-AI, which develops thermoelectric materials for energy conversion and cooling, and Skydiamond, whose lab-grown diamonds have potential applications in quantum computing.

All represent a strong signal of momentum in the UK’s quantum sector and growing commercial traction for next-generation hardware.

We were in Parliament today for Parliamentary Links Day https://bit.ly/3Qpa6h2 and our guests included Professor Philip Burrows, Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford. Professor Tara Shears OBE, IOP’s Vice President for Science and Innovation, and Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Liverpool. Professor Chris Parkes, Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester and Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford, and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow Dr Kirsty Duffy. It was great to meet MPs and Peers and discuss the importance of physics research for economic growth, the challenges facing university physics departments, and what the changes to research funding mean for physics.

Read more about the changes to research funding and the IOP’s position here: https://bit.ly/4fPX0DZ

And you can read more about the challenges facing physics departments and the IOP’s recommendation here: https://bit.ly/4fPaX54

IOP members: by choosing the candidate who represents your views and your way of thinking in the Council elections, you're bringing your own expertise and experiences to play.

⏰ Voting closes 1 July 17.00 BST
🔗 Find out more: iop.org/councilelections

We are incredibly proud that IOP VP for Science and Innovation, Professor Tara Shears FInstP, has been awarded an OBE for services to physics 🎉

Professor Shears is a world-leading expert in experimental particle physics research. She is Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Liverpool and leads a particle physics group that works on the LHC(b) experiment at CERN.

Huge congratulations to Tara and our sincere thanks for all you do to support the IOP and represent the physics community 👏

Read more: https://www.iop.org/about/news/vice-president-of-iop-recognised-in-kings-2026-birthday-honours-list

🎉 Huge congratulations to all IOP members, members of the physics community, scientists and engineers recognised over the weekend in the King's Birthday Honours.

We are delighted that five IOP Fellows and Members have received honours.

⭐ IOP VP for Science and Innovation, Professor Tara Shears FInstP, has been awarded an OBE for services to physics.
⭐ Professor Carlos Frenk CBE FRS FInstP has been knighted for services to astrophysics and cosmology.
⭐ Dr Rebecca Weston FREng FInstP has been made Companion of the Order of the Bath for services to defence.
⭐ Dr John Roberson FInstP has been awarded an OBE for services to defence.
⭐ Nicholas Goddard MInstP has been awarded an MBE for services to defence.

Sincere congratulations from everyone at the IOP for the incredibly well deserved recognition 👏

Know someone doing brilliant work in physics?

Nominations are open for the Max Born Medal and Prize!

This award recognises outstanding contributions to physics by a physicist in the UK and Ireland and is presented alongside the German Physical Society.

If you know an outstanding physicist - now is the time to nominate them (or yourself!). Nominees must be based in the UK or Ireland.

🗓️ Nominations close 19 June.
Find out more: https://www.iop.org/about/awards/international-bilateral-awards/max-born-medal-and-prize-recipients

Physics teachers don’t just teach formulas, they open minds, spark curiosity and guide students towards solving real-world problems.

Become an inspiration for generations to come.

We can support you in your journey to becoming a physics teacher with a £31,000 teacher training scholarship.

➡️ This scholarship is open to applicants in England.
⏰ The final deadline is 21 June.
🔗 Start your application today: https://bit.ly/4pNexyN