Director, Physics Education for the Institute of Physics

Citation

(2002), "Director, Physics Education for the Institute of Physics", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774fab.042

Director, Physics Education for the Institute of Physics

Director, Physics Education for the Institute of Physics

The Institute of Physics has announced that Professor Peter Main has taken up the post of director of Physics Education. He succeeds Peter Cooper, who has left the Institute to take up the post of executive secretary at the London Mathematical Society.

Professor Main has been Head of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham since August 2000, having been on the staff since 1979.

Announcing this appointment, Institute chief executive Dr. Alun Jones commented: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract such a distinguished physicist to join us at the Institute. Peter is well known to us as an active member of several Institute committees. He has a wide-ranging knowledge of, and interest in, education, both at secondary and university levels.”

As Director, Physics Education, Peter will spearhead initiatives to support and develop Physics Education from school through to university level. This will include progressing a major new project to produce resources to support teachers of Key Stage 3 science (11-14 year olds).

Speaking about his appointment, Professor Peter Main said: “The major problem in Physics Education is, without doubt, the shortage of well qualified Physics teachers in UK schools. Unless this problem is addressed in the near future, there will be grave consequences for the whole of science and engineering. However, it will be a tough nut to crack and I see it as my major challenge. Although leaving Nottingham will be a wrench. I am excited by the opportunities to promote Physics and Physicists at the Institute.”