Member latest
Here you will find the latest member announcements along with signposting to advice and support on developments affecting the physics community.
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Latest updates
A welcome to new IOP President Paul Howarth CBE
31 March 2026
Following the decision by Professor Michele Dougherty CBE to step down as President of the Institute of Physics (IOP) to best manage her conflict of interest, President-elect Professor Paul Howarth CBE has been asked by Council to step immediately into the IOP Presidency, as allowed by the IOP’s Charter and Bylaws.
Paul brings extensive experience across research, operations and leadership, having studied physics and astrophysics before completing a PhD in fusion, carrying out postdoctoral research in Japan, and later serving as CEO of the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory for more than 15 years.
A Fellow of the IOP, the Nuclear Institute and the Royal Academy of Engineering, Paul has held senior non‑executive and advisory roles across national research organisations and has recently helped lead the IOP’s response to the UKRI funding changes, being quoted extensively in the media.
The IOP looks forward to Paul’s leadership as he helps guide the organisation through a pivotal period for physics and the wider research community. With significant change underway across the UK research and innovation landscape, Council is confident that Paul’s experience will ensure that the voice of physics remains clear, influential and strongly represented.
We are grateful for his readiness to step into office early.
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Share your voice: IOP membership and international organisations survey
We’re gathering insights to better understand how our members engage internationally — and we need your help. If you’re an IOP member, please take a few minutes to complete our short survey on IOP membership and involvement with international organisations.
Your responses will help us:
- Understand how members connect with global physics communities
- Identify gaps in support for international collaboration
Fill out the survey now (The survey will take a few minutes to complete.)
Your feedback is invaluable in helping us strengthen the IOP’s international connections and support our diverse global community. Thank you for taking part.
Connect with an IOP Special Interest Group
Women in Physics Group chair Dawn Watson highlights the benefits of joining the IOP’s groups.