Institute of Physics, UK
Overview
The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity devoted to increasing the practice, understanding and application of physics. It has a worldwide membership of over 50,000 and is based in the United Kingdom. The IOP supports physics in education, research and industry. In addition to this, its extensive outreach activities promote physics to the public.
History
The Institute of Physics was founded in 1874 as the Physical Society of London. The aim of the Society was the advancement and dissemination of knowledge of physics, pure and applied. In 1920, the Society was granted a Royal Charter and became the Institute of Physics. In 1960, the Institute merged with the Physical Society of London to form The Institute of Physics and the Physical Society, which later simplified its name to the Institute of Physics in 1970.
Structure and Governance
The Institute of Physics is governed by its council, which is chaired by the President. The Council has up to 36 members, including the President and 15 other officers. The Council sets the strategic direction and policy of the Institute. The Chief Executive is responsible for executing the strategy and managing the Institute.
Membership
Membership of the Institute of Physics is open to all those who have an interest in physics. There are several categories of membership, each with its own requirements and benefits. These include Student membership, Associate Member, Member (MInstP), Fellow (FInstP), and Honorary Fellow. The Institute also offers a range of professional qualifications including Chartered Physicist (CPhys), Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach).
Activities
The Institute of Physics conducts a wide range of activities to support physics in education, research and industry. These include publishing scientific journals, providing resources for schools, organizing meetings and conferences, and providing advice to government and other policy makers. The Institute also works to raise the profile of physics in society through its outreach activities.
Publications
The Institute of Physics publishes a range of scientific journals, magazines and books. These include the Journal of Physics series, New Journal of Physics, Physics Education, and Physics World magazine. The Institute's publishing arm, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in professional scientific communications.
Awards and Grants
The Institute of Physics awards a number of prizes and medals to recognize outstanding contributions to physics. These include the Isaac Newton Medal and Prize, the Dirac Medal and Prize, and the Kelvin Medal and Prize. The Institute also offers a range of grants to support physics education and outreach activities.