The IOP’s international work
The great challenges we face, such as climate change, developing clean energy, and healthcare, are international in scope. These issues are faced by all people without respect for borders. International collaboration is essential to tackling them; no individual country can solve them alone.
- IOP strategy and international reach
- Unlocking international collaboration
- An international voice for UK and Irish physicists
- Our international project work
- IOP Publishing
Physicists, who have a fundamental role in leading the development of technologies to address these problems, need to work internationally. As a discipline, physics relies on international collaboration. The physics workforce in academia and industry is multinational, and funding for physics, like other sciences, is provided through complex international systems.
Over a quarter of UK university physics departments’ income from research grants and contracts is from overseas sources, specifically 26.1%, totalling approximately £104m in 2021/2022. The UK and Ireland both attract a substantial proportion of foreign investment in research and development (R&D). In 2022, 21% of the UK's total research income came from international sources, with £772m from the EU and £727m from non-EU countries. Ireland also remains a significant recipient of foreign R&D investment, with around 25% of its R&D financed from overseas, compared with an OECD average of 7%.
The advance of research and innovation in areas as diverse as space exploration, particle physics, photonics and quantum physics is evidence of the great things that can be achieved by people from different countries working together.
IOP strategy and international reach
Our 2024-2029 strategy, Physics for our Future, sets out a vision for change with an absolute, single-minded focus on the work we must do to ensure physics fulfils its potential for society in a fast-changing world. Building upon and evolving our ambitious Unlocking the Future strategy, it sets out how the IOP will work across skills, science and society to build the thriving physics landscape we need for a vibrant, sustainable future.
Our aspirations are far higher than can be achieved by the IOP alone and our plans to reach these goals must be based on effective collaboration and partnerships. This extends beyond the UK and Ireland; our international relationships and activities will play an important part in advancing the changes we want to see. As such our international work is integral to our strategy.
Unlocking international collaboration
At the IOP we have international reach and global connections, but are independent of government or any academic institution or business. This enables us to play a role as a trusted broker and facilitator of cross-border collaboration. Our relationships and reputation mean we can bring together scientists and organisations from around the world, building the cross-border links that fuel scientific discovery and technological innovation. Our work also directly benefits our members in the UK and Ireland by opening up opportunities for research, business development and investment.
Case study: On July 15, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Institute of Physics (IOP) launched the International Roundtable, uniting 12 national physical societies from countries including the USA, China, India, Japan, and several European nations. This initiative aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and develop common strategies to address the challenges faced by the physics community and society. Meeting twice a year with rotating chairmanship every two years, the roundtable has produced several joint statements, such as The Role of Physics in the Green Economy in 2021 and Principles and Policies for International Scientific Collaboration (PDF, 443KB) in 2023, addressing current global challenges.
The International Roundtable has strengthened international collaboration among physical societies, providing a platform for advancing scientific dialogue and promoting cooperation. These efforts have led to the development and implementation of joint initiatives that address global issues and contribute to the advancement of physics research and education worldwide. The roundtable's ongoing work highlights the importance of international collaboration in fostering a resilient and interconnected scientific community capable of tackling future global challenges.
Case study: During 2024 the IOP CEO, Tom Grinyer, participated in a series of international senior leadership trips that encouraged high-profile scientific and policy dialogues. These international visits increase collaboration with our partners around the world, showcasing the IOP's commitment to advancing science and technology globally.
Key highlights from 2024 included:
- Attendance at the American Physical Society (APS) Spring Meeting, where groundbreaking research and developments in the physical sciences were shared.
- A visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy, underscoring our dedication to fostering innovation through collaboration.
- Tom also supported the work of the IOPP team in the APAC region. Speaking at a specially organised event during the IUPAP General Assembly and meeting with a number of the IOPPs Scientific Advisory Board, made up of leading academics in China. This support for IOPP work continued in Japan where Tom met with leaders from Japan’s key organisations representing physicists (JPS & JSAP) as well as the Vice President of the Tokyo University and other academics.
These engagements reflect the IOP's proactive role in driving progress at the intersection of science, technology, and policy.
Tom Grinyer and Dominic Hurley visit the White House to meet with the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), 2024.
An international voice for UK and Irish physicists
The IOP represents UK and Irish physicists at the highest level, as a member of key international groupings.
European Physical Society
The IOP is a member of the European Physical Society (EPS), a body which brings together physical societies from across Europe. Through membership of this body and representation at EPS council meetings, the IOP is able to represent the UK and Ireland in discussions about cross-European research and funding policy and the role physics plays in helping to solve the big challenges that are facing all our countries.
Improving inclusivity for physicists in Europe
In May 2021 we hosted a workshop alongside European member societies, funded by EPS, which was the first stage towards creating and implementing codes of conduct for the safety of conference and event attendees across Europe. The workshop was part of our aim of fostering an inclusive and equitable culture in STEM across the continent. Our report features key recommendations (PDF, 280KB) from participants.
Connecting Passion with Purpose: A Member’s Journey in Energy and Physics
Carlos Lledo-Fernandez, Chair of the IOP Energy Group, shares his inspiring journey of scientific collaboration, personal growth, and international engagement through his involvement with the IOP and EPS.
“With a background in electrochemistry and energy storage devices, my passion for physics has found a meaningful outlet through the IOP, who have offered me the opportunity to fulfil my desire in energy and in physics. In May 2024, I was invited to give a talk at the Energy Group Meeting organised by EPS in Cadarache (France). Since that meeting, I have been deeply inspired by the colleagues I met from across Europe who shared the same passion in diverse areas of energy and physics.
“The symposium was one of the most beautiful and gratifying scientific experiences that I have ever had. Since then, I have become a member of EPS and also a member of the Energy Group within EPS. The IOP has allowed me to join and explore EPS, and I am ever so grateful for this fantastic experience. EPS and the IOP are two amazing international institutions that give scientists around Europe and the world the opportunity to have thorough and joyful conversations in physics.”
International Union of Pure and Applied Physics
The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) is an international body which supports collaboration and cooperation between physicists around the world. The IOP is involved in working groups on a number of issues of global concern including the importance of supporting emerging economies.
The 33rd IUPAP General Assembly in Hainan, China. Photo courtesy of Chinese Physical Society.
Tom Grinyer represented the IOP at the General Assembly of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics 2024 which took place in Hainan, China. At the meeting representatives from UK and Irish physics communities secured positions on a number of the key Commissions ensuring we are engaged in key international discussion across the breadth of the profession. View the IUPAP commission representatives from the UK and Ireland.
Bringing physics communities together globally
The International Team hosts biannual meetings uniting representatives from IOP special interest groups, European Physical Society working groups, and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics commissions. These gatherings focus on shared priorities such as education, outreach, and policy, ensuring the UK and Irish physics communities have strong representation on European and global platforms.
Since 2022, these meetings have fostered collaboration, communication, and the exchange of ideas among leading organisations. The November 2024 session spotlighted Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in physics awards and prizes. Sarah Bakewell, Head of EDI, shared insights into the IOP's efforts to advance inclusive practices. By sharing expertise, the IOP continues to support the broader physics community in creating equitable recognition standards and champions progress for physics on a global scale.
Our international project work
We take a strategic approach to engagement in overseas projects. Our aim is to enable our members to create and exploit new opportunities, and we focus on those areas where we can make the biggest difference – in particular, start-ups that are taking forward research findings to develop innovations and grow businesses. These high-growth enterprises are vital to the economy of the UK and Ireland as they provide well-paid jobs, as well as developing technologies that improve lives. But they often need the most support to forge connections, develop collaborations and find opportunities for investment.
Our approach is to work where we can really make a difference, in ways that are appropriate, in partnership with local physical societies. Where we have a direct role in shaping a programme overseas, particularly where the programme sits within a country’s development agenda, we make sure there is an exit plan so that the work is ultimately owned by local physicists and the community. Our focus is on supporting physicists who need it most.
Young Scientist Kenya, 2024.
Case study: The IOP has been a proud sponsor of the Young Scientist Tanzania since 2017 and The Young Scientist Kenya (YSK) since 2018. Both programs align with our goals to inspire innovation and discovery in young people whilst supporting education and skills development. The outreach and national exhibition reach underserved and marginalised communities, providing opportunities to students from rural and disadvantaged areas. This inclusivity aligns with the IOP’s focus on broadening access to science education and diversifying the STEM community.
Young Scientist Tanzania 2024 winners celebrate on stage with Dr Nuru Mlyuka.
The Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) is a transformative program dedicated to fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation among secondary school students in Tanzania. Through a nationwide Science Outreach Programme and an Annual Exhibition and Competition, YST empowers students to engage in research and present impactful projects. Inspired by the Young Scientists model from Ireland, YST promotes investigative learning and capacity building in science education. By connecting students, educators, and stakeholders, YST contributes to Tanzania's socio-economic growth through the power of science. Learn more about YST's initiatives and achievements.
IOP Member James Uhomoibhi presents the YSK 2024 winners with their winning cheque.
The Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) is a national initiative that empowers Kenyan youth to showcase their innovation and talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through an annual National Science and Technology competition, outreach programs, and mentorship opportunities, YSK inspires students to tackle community challenges through practical STEM solutions. Supported by the Ministry of Education, the Government of Ireland, and partners like Safaricom, YSK fosters a culture of innovation and career growth in STEM fields. Discover how YSK is shaping the future of Kenya's young scientists.
If you would like to hear more about how you can support YST and YSK, please get in touch at [email protected].
Case study: We support the Raising Enjoyment and Achievement in Physics (REAP), a project that is led by the Tanzanian Physical Society (TPS), with financial backing from Professor Sir Tejinder Virdee. The long-term goal is to improve the physics talent pipeline in Tanzania and see more students take physics as they move to A-level and university. To achieve this the project focuses on increasing the conceptual understanding and enjoyment of physics at the secondary level, and works with teachers to develop and implement interactive pedagogical techniques that are simple and effective at increasing understanding and engagement.
IOP Publishing
IOP Publishing (IOPP) has a significant international presence and produces academic journals, books and conference proceedings for an international readership. Much of its output is on an open-access basis. Reciprocal arrangements with several European countries allow the costs of subscription to IOPP journals to be offset by making research from those countries available to physicists in the UK and Ireland via open access.
Through IOPP we are active in promoting open-access publishing to support the ongoing proliferation of physics research and knowledge. IOPP launched the first open-access general physics journal, New Journal of Physics, with the German Physical Society in 1998, and developed the successful Environmental Research Letters. We have developed many other titles since and are actively developing new open-access journals. We seek to promote open-access publishing in a sustainable way with a balance between open-access and paid-for journal content.
As a publisher, IOPP provides opportunities for physicists from other countries to publish in respected peer-reviewed journals, increasing professional opportunities and aiding the dissemination of research. This supports and complements work by the IOP to develop international links and create opportunities for collaboration on issues of strategic importance.
Tom Grinyer visits the IOPP offices in Beijing, China, 2024.
Strategic partnership renewal at the 2023 World Young Scientists Summit in China
Case study: In a significant step towards reinforcing international scientific collaboration, IOP and IOPP successfully concluded a series of high-profile engagements across China in November 2023. The visit was marked by the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and various meetings at the Alibaba DAMO Academy, Westlake University, The IOPP Beijing office and the IOP’s first in-person Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). All meetings aimed to fostering deeper cooperation between the UK and Chinese scientific communities.
Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2024.
On 12 November 12, during the closing ceremony of the 2023 World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS), the WYSS Executive Committee and the IOP delegation signed a new MoU, signaling the continuation of their collaborative efforts. This signing was attended by prominent figures including Chuanyu Wu, Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology, Zhenyong Wang, Vice Mayor of Wenzhou, and Miriam Maus, Chief Publishing Officer of IOPP. This MoU renews a partnership initially established in October 2020, which has already resulted in fruitful collaborations, such as the Environmental Research 2021 and the Quantum 2022.
IOP's CEO, Tom Grinyer, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership, highlighting its potential to support and advance young scientists on a global platform. He emphasised IOP's commitment to nurturing future scientific talent and broadening international collaboration.
World Young Scientist Summit 2024.