Institute of Physics: London & South East Branch

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Institute of Physics: London & South East Branch

To promote physics, physics education and public understanding of physics.

(Any opinions expressed are personal to the posters, and do not represent those of the IOP, IOP Publisheing or anyone else.)

16/02/2026

The branch led a session with the making Rocket Mice as part of their curiosity space.

Over 70 young people (and some adults) launched their rockets and tried to get to the moon.

21/01/2026

Three Minute Wonder is our UK and Ireland-wide science communication competition. It challenges researchers or project team members to explain their work to the public in just three minutes. Participants work in physics or physics-related fields in academia, business and/or industry.

London & South East heat is taking place on Tuesday 21st April 2026 at the Institute of Physics.

For more information: https://www.iop.org/3mw

To take part in the competition: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/QTT4R/

25/12/2025

Happy Christmas and Season's Greetings from the IOP London & South East Branch.

We've had a busy 2025 and next year we've planned to do even more with the and the Physics Community.

14/12/2025

UK Physicists’ Tournament (UKPT) brings together students from across the UK for a day of scientific debates. UKPT took place last weekend, at King's College London.

The teams presented their reports and engaged in scientific discussion on a wide range of physics phenomena — from exploring how fast a ping-pong ball can travel when launched with a rubber band, to investigating why cooked rice often forms randomly distributed holes. Each session challenged participants to present, critique, and review complex physical arguments, fostering an environment that promotes rigorous reasoning, creativity, and effective scientific communication.

The event is a national selection for the International Physicists' Tournament 2026, which takes place in May 2026 at Oklahoma State University.

Participating teams displayed exceptional analytical ability and teamwork throughout the tournament. After several rounds (and eight hours) of presentations the winners were:

1st Place: University of Cambridge
2nd Place: Imperial College London
3rd Place: University of Kent

06/10/2025

Calling all students: curious about quantum computing?

Get involved in IBM Qiskit Fall Fest 2025, a series of quantum computing lectures, workshops and hackathons, hosted by KCL's Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences and supported by the IOP London & South East Branch.

Explore the exciting world of quantum computing with sessions designed for both beginners and seasoned programmers, and meet like-minded students from other universities in the region, while learning the fundamentals of quantum computing, developing practical skills with IBM's open-source Qiskit framework and tackling hands‑on challenges.

🗓️ Weekly events from 8 October - 19 November
📍 Strand Campus, King's College London

Limited tickets available - book today: https://fallfest.qiskit.london/

Qiskit | Institute of Physics | IBM Quantum

01/10/2025

The London and South East Branch represents around 25% of the IOP's membership. We are an incredibly active branch, thanks to our member-volunteers who organise and support a range of activities. These include educational conferences, outreach events, and competitions like the Three Minute Wonder (3MW), Plancks UK & Ireland, and the International Physicists' Tournament. Our volunteers also distribute resources to help get families involved with physics. This is in addition to our four lecture centres that run annual programmes of STEM talks.

The branch committee is committed to providing members with opportunities for networking, public engagement, and supporting outreach across the region (see our Branch Outreach Grant Scheme post). We want to help people develop their knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of physics. If you have an idea to share or would like to volunteer with us, please get in contact: [email protected]

On behalf of the entire branch, I would like to thank our outgoing Chair, Hugh, and our outgoing Secretary, Andy, for their many dedicated years of leadership and support on the committee. I would also like to welcome Mark, our newly elected Vice-Chair; Abbey, our incoming Secretary; and Kirsten, the region's new Student Rep.

Anthony Quinlan
Chair - IOP London and South East Branch

24/09/2025

The branch is pleased to be supporting the UK national selection of the International Physicists' Tournament (IPT).

The IPT is a scientific contest for physics students (gaining Bachelor or Master Degree), where a team of 4-6 students is given a set of 17 research-oriented physics problems. The teams spend a few months solving the IPT problems and then have an engaging debate about the results and underlying physics with other teams in a form of physics fights.

Have a look at the IPT 2026 problems, build a team with your classmates and start exploring the everyday physics: https://iptnet.info/problems

The national selection will be held at Northeastern University London on the 15th November 2025, observers are welcome. More information to follow on how to register.

11/08/2025

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Branch Outreach Grant Scheme with the Institute of Physics.

This grant scheme is designed to give financial support of up to £750 to individuals and organisations running physics-based events and activities in the London & South East.

The scheme aims to encourage and support the development of projects that:
• Raise public awareness of and engagement with contemporary physics.
• Inspire and enthuse young people.
• Develop relevant communication skills of individuals.
• Reach audiences beyond the classroom and workplace.

To apply and find out more, see the bottom of our branch page: https://www.iop.org/physics-community/iop-membership-where-you-are/london-and-south-east-branch

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