Ever wondered where physicists unite to advance their field? Right here, at the Institute of Physics. This UK-based society works to improve physics education, research, and its real-world applications.
Founded in 1874, the Institute of Physics now boasts a worldwide membership exceeding 20,000. It serves as the Physical Society for both the UK and Ireland. The Institute supports physics across education, research, and industry.
The Institute of Physics also aids its members directly. It provides career advice and professional development. They even grant the Chartered Physicist qualification. This is a prestigious recognition in the field. The Institute of Physics also publishes 85 academic titles through IOP Publishing. Profits from these publications support the Institute’s charitable work.
Let’s step back in time. The Institute of Physics formed in 1960. It was the result of a merger. The Physical Society of London, founded in 1874, joined forces with the Institute of Physics, founded in 1918.
The Physical Society of London began on 14 February 1874. Frederick Guthrie initiated it. He gathered opinions from Royal Society Fellows. Sir William Barrett led this effort at a British Association meeting in Bradford in 1873. John Hall Gladstone became the first president. From the start, the society hosted open meetings and demonstrations. They also published the Proceedings of the Physical Society. Meetings occurred every two weeks. Imperial College London was the primary venue. The first Guthrie lecture took place in 1914. It is now known as the Faraday Medal and Prize.
The early 20th century saw the rise of the “physicist” profession. World War I increased the demand for scientists. In 1917, William Eccles and William Duddell discussed improving physicists’ professional status. The Physical Society Council, along with the Faraday Society, the Optical Society, and the Roentgen Society, began exploring options. The Institute of Physics emerged in 1918. It was created at a meeting of the four societies at King’s College London. Sir Richard Glazebrook became the Institute’s first president in 1919. The inaugural meeting happened in 1921. Sharing knowledge was key to the Institute. They began publishing the Journal of Scientific Instruments in 1922. The annual Reports on Progress in Physics started in 1934. It continues today. In 1952, the Institute launched the “Graduateship” course and exam. It ended in 1984. The expansion of university access reduced the need.
In 1932, the Physical Society of London merged with the Optical Society. They created the Physical Society. Then, in 1960, the Physical Society and the Institute of Physics merged. They became a single organization. Its name was The Institute of Physics and the Physical Society. John Cockcroft was its first president. The new society combined the Physical Society’s learned society tradition with the Institute of Physics’ professional body focus. An Irish branch of the Institute of Physics formed in 1964. Thomas E. Nevin led this. The organization received a royal charter in 1970. It was then renamed the Institute of Physics.
The Institute of Physics uses the motto “Intellegite et explicate”. It means “Understand and explain”. This reflects their core mission. Their headquarters have been in London since its founding. The Institute of Physics moved into its current building in King’s Cross on 29 October 2018.
The Institute of Physics continues to shape the physics landscape. It supports physicists. It promotes understanding and knowledge. The Institute of Physics plays a vital role in the world of physics.