Michele Dougherty steps down as IOP President

The IOP exists to ensure physics can thrive and drive growth, innovation and discovery for our world.

As part of this mission, we are focused on understanding and responding to the current UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funding changes, advocating for physics and its phenomenal power to benefit society.

The IOP’s work to influence and advocate for physics during these changes is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

To ensure we can do this vital role without conflict of interest, and in light of her role as Executive Chair of STFC, our President, Michele Dougherty CBE, has formally stepped down from her role as IOP President.

Michele had previously stepped back from presidential duties on 26 January and President-elect Paul Howarth CBE, who had already been leading the IOP’s response to the UKRI changes, had been covering those duties. 

Paul now steps formally into the role of President, at the invitation of the IOP Council and in accordance with the IOP’s bylaws.

We are grateful to Michele for her support and leadership and will continue to work constructively with her in her role at STFC.