Authors: Jeet Shannigrahi, Harvey Sapigao, Alexia Beale
Nearly four decades ago, a group of like-minded individuals came together to form an organization for students who come from a variety of backgrounds around the world but are united by a shared love for physics. The International Association for Physics Students (IAPS) is now globally the largest organization for students of physics, regardless of age, ethnicity or economic background. IAPS has formally been accepted into IUPAP and continues to represent physics students worldwide.
jIAPS (the Journal of IAPS) is an integral part of IAPS, expressing its ethos and goals through articles, blogs, creative entries and newsletters. Over the years, jIAPS has been led by diverse individuals; this year’s editorial team includes IAPS members from around the world (from Mexico and the Dominican Republic to India and beyond), demonstrating the inclusivity and diversity that IAPS has come to embody. jIAPS 2023 echoes this spirit with a fresh commitment to expand on the horizon of physics for students from every corner of the globe. Here are some highlights to look out for in the coming year:
- PLANCKS 2023 – PLANCKS is an exciting physics competition for teams of Bachelor’s and Master’s students, with guest lectures and social activities to attend too. Now is a good time to start thinking about organising a Preliminary in your country. IAPS can support you with the organisation of Preliminaries. You may be selected to represent your country at the final of PLANCKS 2023 in Milan.
- ICPS 2023 – Next summer, ICPS (the International Conference for Physics Students) will be held in Baguio and Manila, Philippines. It is the first time ICPS shall be hosted in Southeast Asia!
- Article Contest and Creative Competitions – Preparations for jIAPS 2023 are underway. Watch this space for the announcement of the Article Contest and Creative Competitions with amazing IAPS Merchandise and waived entry fees to ICPS for the winning entries.
- Sunday Discord Sessions – IAPS has several informal groups which meet on Sundays, usually at 1pm UTC. Come and listen, play, and discuss international music in the newly formed Music Group; try different recipes at the Cooking Day sessions; and seek support in the Mental Health Check-Ins.
- Coming soon: Learn more about the range of Working Groups within IAPS and how to join them.
and finally… jIAPS is always looking for more Contributors – do you want to write articles about physics or help scout for new stories? Just send us a message at jiaps@iaps.info to join the team.