Category: Announcements

The AC5 Council was established during the AGM in 2021 and has been actively functioning for the past three years. During this period, the council’s internal structure has evolved, allowing the International Association of Physics Students (IAPS) to align more closely with the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). This alignment has led to significant achievements, including securing IUPAP’s support for all major events and launching the Early Career Scientist Prize.

Initially chaired by Ruhi Chitre (2021-2022), followed by Gabriel Maynard (2022-2023), and currently led by Niloofar Jokar, the IAPS Vice-President, the AC5 Council has continually expanded its scope and objectives. As the council was newly formed, its members, under the guidance of the chairs, defined the tasks. 

Now, with three years of experience, both the AC5 Council and the IAPS Executive Committee (EC) have gained clarity in identifying specific tasks for the council to fulfill. Consequently, a significant structural change for the council is proposed at the current AGM.

Given that the administrative tasks of the AC5 Council overlap with those of the EC, the IAPS President, Vice-President, and EC Secretary will serve as ex-officio members of the council, with the Vice-President assuming the role of chair. This body will maintain communication with IUPAP, given IAPS’s status as the Affiliated Commission 5 of IUPAP, and ensure the legal documentation for AC5 is in place.

In addition to these ex-officio members, six elected positions will be created:

1. Early Career Scientist Prize Positions (2): These positions will be open to IAPS members and will focus on organizing the prize timeline, coordinating the jury, managing applications, and liaising with the IAPS PR Manager for prize announcements.

2. Industry Managing Positions (2): These positions will be open to IAPS members and will focus on maintaining relationships with the IUPAP Working Group 16 and industry partners, thereby deepening IAPS’s connections and building external partnerships.

3. Outreach and Advocacy Positions (2): These positions will be open to IAPS members and will focus on advocating for physics education by collaborating with IUPAP Commission C14, promoting inclusion in collaboration with IUPAP Working Group 5, and coordinating AC5’s public relations efforts with the IAPS PR Manager.

This proposed restructuring aims to better define the roles and responsibilities within the AC5 Council, streamline its operations, and enhance its collaboration with IUPAP and other stakeholders.

Dear IAPS Members,

We are thrilled to announce that the next IAPS Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in person in Tbilisi, Georgia, on the 5th of August 2024, during the International Conference of Physics Students (ICPS).

AGM Agenda

Our agenda for the AGM is packed with essential topics and decisions that will shape the future of our organization. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

1. Announcements
2. Speaking Guidelines
3. Tellers and Minute Takers election
4. Confirmation of membership
   • Voting rights
   • New member
   • Expulsions
   • Quorum
5. EGM 2024 Meeting Minutes
6. EC Activity Report
7. Proposed EC Structure 2025/2026
8. IAPS Strategic Plan 2024-2027
9. AC5 Council
   • AC5 Activity Report
   • AC5 Structure reform relative to the AC5 Council members
   • AC5 Structure reform relative to the ECSP
10. External Relations
    • MoU ICTP
    • MoU FIT
    • MoU EMA
11. Finances
    • Auditors’ report and current account status
    • Provisional budget of the period
12. EC Election
13. Auditors’ election
14. Archivist election
15. Alumni representative election
16. AC5 Council election
17. Assistant position election
    • Fundraising Officer
    • Advocacy Officer
    • jIAPS Editor in Chief election 
18. PLANCKS
    • PLANCKS 2023 Final report
    • PLANCKS 2024 preliminary report
    • PLANCKS 2025 status update
    • PLANCKS 2026 host election
    • Working group creation TC UK & Ramp 
19. ICPS
    • ICPS 2023 Final report
    • ICPS 2024 preliminary report
    • ICPS 2025 status update
    • ICPS 2026 host election
20. School Day 2025 Topic Election
21. IAPS Fellowship
22. Charter Change 
    • Charter Change Majority
    • EC Agreement
23. Regulation changes
    • PLANCKS report duty reform
    • Membership Fee Collection for Late Joining New Members
24. Other Points

All related documentation is available for review on the IAPS Cloud, organized according to the agenda.

Call for Meeting Officials

We are seeking volunteers to serve as minute takers and tellers for the AGM. If you are interested, please reach out to us via email at ec@iaps.info

Delegate Registration

To register as a TC or LC delegate and to attend the Delegate Day (4/8), click the button below.

Position Applications for 2024/2025

If you are interested in applying for a position for the term 2024/2025, please submit your application to ec@iaps.info. Your application should include a personal statement detailing your relevant experience and a CV. The available roles include:

• IAPS EC
  • President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Events Manager
  • Outreach Manager
  • PR Manager
  • IT Manager
  • Membership Manager
  • Recruitment Manager
• Assistant Election
  • Fundraising Officer (working with the Treasurer)
  • jIAPS Editor in Chief (working with the PR Manager)
  • Advocacy Officer (working with the Membership Manager)
• IAPS Archivist
• AC5 Council Member
• Alumni Representatives

Detailed descriptions of these roles can be found on the IAPS website.

Access to Documentation

All relevant documentation and information will be provided through the IAPS Cloud.

We look forward to seeing you at ICPS to engage in productive discussions to advance our organization.

The International Association of Physics Students (IAPS), in its capacity as the Affiliated Commission 5 (AC5) of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), is thrilled to announce Conor Ryan as the recipient of the prestigious Early Career Scientist Prize.

Since its establishment in 1987, IAPS has been dedicated to fostering international collaboration among physics students, guided by its motto: “by Physics Students, for Physics Students.” The AC5 Early Career Scientist Prize empowers this commitment, celebrating those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and passion for physics within the global youth scientific community.

Celebrating Conor Ryan’s Achievements

Conor Ryan’s journey in physics is marked by academic excellence and impactful contributions to the physics community. Selected as a 2021 Laidlaw Scholar at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) during the COVID-19 pandemic, Conor embarked on a rigorous program to develop leadership skills and undertook a pioneering research project on quantum technology, supervised by Prof. Alessandro Lunghi.

Conor’s second summer as a Laidlaw Scholar took him to the University of Parma, where he advanced his research in quantum technology and engaged in outreach activities, inspiring local secondary school students with workshops on quantum computing. His academic journey continued to flourish as he achieved a first-class grade in his final year research project and was awarded a Gold Medal by the Board of the University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin.

One of Conor’s notable achievements was his involvement in Ireland’s successful application for CERN membership. Collaborating with academics and political figures, Conor played a vital role in reigniting efforts for membership, emphasizing the future benefits for students and the broader physics community.

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Quantum Science and Technology at TCD, Conor continues to excel academically and serves as an IOP Campus Ambassador.

Message from IAPS President, Cyrus Walther

“We are immensely proud to award the AC5 Early Career Scientist Prize to Conor Ryan,” said IAPS President Cyrus Walther. “Conor’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and outreach embodies the spirit of this prize. This is the first year the award has been awarded in this way, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to IUPAP for their support. I also thank the juries for their diligent work in selecting such a deserving recipient. Together, we are paving the way for the next generation of leaders in physics.”

About the Award

The AC5 Early Career Scientist Prize is a milestone in Conor Ryan’s career, recognizing his exceptional contributions and inspiring continued pursuit of knowledge and engagement in physics.

This award is made possible thanks to the support and funding from IUPAP. We are also grateful to the dedicated juries for their diligent work in selecting such a deserving recipient. The jury members are:

• Chair of the Jury: Prof. James Kneller, Assistant Professor, Physics & Applied Mathematics – Material and Condensed Matter, Northeastern University London.
• Vice Chair of the Jury: Dr. Barbora Bruant Gulejova, Outreach/Lecturer, Particle Physics – Outreach, University of Bern.
• Jury: Prof. Kosmas L. Tsakmakidis, Assistant Professor, Photonics – Metamaterials (Bioengineering), University of Athens.
• Jury: Dr. Sofia Ferreira Teixeira, Postdoctoral Researcher, Nanodevices, CIC nanoGUNE.
• Jury: Dr. Christian Wiebeler, Habilitation Candidate, Computational Biology, Universität Augsburg.
• Jury: Dr. Andreas Tiffeau-Mayer, Lecturer, Computational Biology, University College London.

Dear Members,

I’m happy to announce the start of PRIDE Month, a month dedicated to celebrating diversity and inclusion and recognizing the fight against the discrimination of  LGBTQIA+ people. This month offers a unique opportunity for us to reflect on the values of acceptance and respect, which are fundamental not only to society at large but also to our scientific community.

The International Association of Physics Students stands strongly in support of diversity in all its forms. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected is essential for the advancement of science in our community. Physics, as a discipline, thrives on collaboration and the necessity for the exchange of diverse perspectives. It is through the inclusion of a variety of voices and experiences that we can achieve greater innovation and progress.

In celebrating PRIDE Month, we also reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels empowered to pursue their passion for physics without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Let us use this month to strengthen our bonds as a community and to advocate for a future where equality and diversity are not just ideals, but realities.

On behalf of IAPS, I extend my wishes for a meaningful PRIDE Month. Let us celebrate the beauty of diversity and continue to build a community where every physicist can thrive.

With pride and solidarity,

Cyrus Walther,
President of the International Association of Physics Students

We have some fantastic news to share with you all! After quite a long wait due to the challenges of the global pandemic, we are delighted to announce that the International Association of Physics Students is gearing up to hold its Annual General Meetings (AGM) once again, and this time, we’re going back to meeting in person!

This is a big deal for us and for the entire community. Our AGM is where we all come together to meet, exchange opinions, and make decision for the future. And we couldn’t be more excited to do it face-to-face this time.

So, mark your calendars! The AGM is scheduled for the 5th of August, 2024, and it will be happening alongside the International Conference of Physics Students in the beautiful city of Tbilisi, Georgia. It’s going to be an incredible opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and, most importantly, dive deep into all things physics!

But wait, there’s more! Before the big AGM day, on the 4th of August, delegates from our member organizations will have a chance to take part in the Delegate Days. These are special sessions where we’ll discuss important topics, share information, and make sure everyone is up to speed before the AGM.

Ready to join us? Register now for the International Conference of Physics Students and secure your spot at this unforgettable event. Click here to register and be a part of the excitement!

So, get ready to pack your bags, brush up on your physics knowledge, and join us in Tbilisi for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

The International Association of Physics Students is on the lookout for a passionate and dedicated individual to step into this vital role! Are you ready to make a real impact and drive positive change within our community?

🌟 We need someone dynamic, enthusiastic, and committed to ensuring the smooth operation of our membership processes and advocating for the rights of physics students worldwide. As an IAPS member, you already embody the spirit of our organization, and now is your chance to take your involvement to the next level!

Important note: This is an elected position, you need to defend your candidacy during the EGM on April 28th.

🔍 Requirements:

• IAPS Membership: Candidates must be current members of IAPS. Check here: https://iaps.info/members/
• Application: Submit your CV and a motivational letter for the Membership and Advocacy Manager position via email (ec@iaps.info), which will be voted by our members during our Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on April 28th at 2PM UTC, via Zoom. Be prepared to defend your candidacy and share your vision for the role!
• Please send us your candidacy by the 27th of April, so that we can have time to upload to our organisation’s Cloud, so that our members’ delegates have enough time to look through it.
• Before applying please refer to the Legal Notice at the bottom of the page.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to shape the future of physics advocacy and community engagement with IAPS. Your energy and ideas can make a difference! Apply now and let’s work together to empower physics students worldwide.

Responsibilities:

📊 Maintain the IAPS Membership Database to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.

🗣️ Maintain fair communication with all IAPS members and Alumni, serving as the EC Representative to the Alumni Committee.

🔍 Manage advocacy issues, investigating topics of importance to members and advocating for students’ rights at local and international levels.

📚 Organize educational and informational events, prioritizing gender equality initiatives within the physics society.

Useful Skills:

👥 Delegate effectively and prioritize tasks to accomplish goals efficiently.

🤝 Reliability and strong communication skills are paramount in engaging with various stakeholders.

📅 Dedicate time in your daily routine for IAPS commitments, with flexibility to address tasks outside regular hours.

🎯 Set and manage priorities effectively, balancing smaller achievable goals with larger tasks.

🤔 Seek guidance from senior members when needed, leveraging their expertise and insights.

🌐 Stay informed about scientific community issues and public policy decisions impacting the physics community.

Expectations:

📊 Throughout the year, delegate tasks, maintain reliability, and prioritize effectively as outlined in the useful skills section.

🔄 Keep membership data updated regularly, actively engaging both current and potential new members.

💡 Encourage direct involvement of IAPS members, potentially forming subcommittees to aid in tasks.

Legal Notice

By submitting your application for the Membership and Advocacy Manager position with the International Association of Physics Students (IAPS), you hereby acknowledge and accept the terms outlined in our Privacy Policy.

As part of the application process, your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Motivational Letter will be uploaded to the IAPS Cloud. This is to facilitate transparency within our organization, allowing members to review candidates and make informed decisions during the selection process.

It is important to note that the information provided in your application will be accessible to IAPS members for the purpose of evaluating candidates for the position.

For further details regarding the handling of your personal information, please refer to the IAPS Privacy Policy available on our website.

By proceeding with your application, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of these terms.

The International Association of Physics Students announces the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for April 28th at 2:00 PM UTC. The meeting will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

The EGM, a pivotal event in the IAPS calendar, serves as a platform for members to engage in crucial discussions and decision-making processes regarding the association’s direction and operations.

Final Agenda

1. Announcements
2. Tellers and Minute takers election
3. Confirmation of membership
4. AGM 2023 Meeting minutes
5. Rebranding IAPS 
6. Honorary Memberships
7. Charter change
   • IAPS Rebranding
   • Territorial Committee
8. Membership & Advocacy Manager election
9. Presentation Alumni and Supporting Membership
10. UN Application
11. Earth Humanity Coalition 
12. NC Costa Rica Proposal for AC5 Structure

All the related documentation is available for review on the IAPS Cloud. The NC Costa Rica proposal is under EC review and will be uploaded later this week. 

Zoom links and voting tokens will be distributed to representatives and entitled members before mid-April to facilitate participation in the meeting.

In a related announcement, the EC regretfully acknowledges the resignation of the current Membership and Advocacy Manager. Pursuant to section 11.5 of the IAPS Charter, the EC now calls for the election of the next Membership and Advocacy Manager. Interested members are encouraged to apply for the position within the next two weeks, as outlined in section 4.2.5 of the regulations. Candidates should submit a personal statement, highlighting relevant experiences and past involvement in associations, along with a CV to ec@iaps.info.

The EGM underscores IAPS’s commitment to democratic principles and transparent governance.

Dear Members,

We are writing to express our solidarity and unwavering support for our fellow physics students and their communities in Morocco who have been impacted by the recent earthquake. Our thoughts are with you during this challenging time, and we want to assure you that you are not alone in facing this adversity.

We also extend our condolences to those who may have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or experienced damage to their homes and property. We understand the profound challenges you are facing, and we are here to offer our support, empathy, and assistance in any way possible.

In times of crisis, it is essential for us to come together and offer our support to those in need. We encourage all of our members to reach out to their fellow students in Morocco, offering assistance, encouragement, and empathy. Whether it’s through academic support, emotional comfort, or practical aid, every gesture of solidarity makes a difference.

We are providing you with a link to a donation page that aids the people of Morocco:

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/morocco-earthquake-relief-fund/

Our global community is resilient, and through our collective efforts, we can help rebuild and support our friends and colleagues in Morocco.

With heartfelt solidarity,

Executive Committee Members

International Association of Physics Students