Institute of Physics names new honorary fellows

One neutron expert, a quantum physicist, a key science communicator, the founder of a charitable trust and a leading expert on string theory have been awarded honorary fellowship at the Institute of Physics (IOP).

This year’s honorary fellows are Professor Sir John Enderby, emeritus professor of physics at the University of Bristol, who is an expert on neutrons, and British born American physicist Professor Freeman John Dyson (pictured), who made crucial contributions to quantum electrodynamics.

Former Vice President of the IOP Professor Peter Kalmus has also been honoured for his contribution to popularising physics and his active role in furthering the public understanding of science.

Sir Peter Ogden has also become an honorary fellow.  Ogden set up the Ogden Charitable Trust, with the intention of helping bright children from low income backgrounds and furthering science education in general.

Finally, American physicist Professor Lisa Randall has also been appointed.  Professor Randall is a leading expert on particle physics and cosmology, who works on several of the competing models of string theory in the quest to explain the fabric of the universe.

Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, president of IOP, said “The IOP honorary fellowships are a wonderful way of honouring the achievements of physicists across a range of fields as well as underlining the important role physicists have in communicating science to the wider public.”

Honorary fellowship is conferred by the IOP on distinguished individuals for exceptional service to physics or a closely related discipline. The fellowship can also recognise an important service to the Institute or someone whose relationship with the Institute has been of tremendous benefit.  The honour has been given to only 38 other people during the IOP’s history.