One Step Ahead:

One Community,

Many Paths

Connecting early career physicists across

disciplines and careers

29 June 2027

Nottingham

Register now

Why this conference exists

Bringing together early career physicists from across disciplines, this conference creates a larger, more connected community than individual events can achieve alone. By combining expertise from multiple IOP groups, it offers a vibrant environment for learning, collaboration and networking, while helping emerging physicists build relationships and discover opportunities beyond their own specialism.

What you will gain by attending

Gain fresh insights from keynote speakers, discipline-specific sessions and cross-disciplinary discussions. Explore new ideas, expand your professional network, learn about career pathways across physics, and engage with a supportive community of peers and experienced professionals. Whether you're in research, industry, education or applied physics, you'll leave with valuable connections and practical inspiration.

Who should attend

This event is designed primarily for early career physicists, including researchers, academics, industry professionals and postgraduate students. The IOP defines early career as within six years of completing a PhD, or within ten years of starting a physics-related role where research or the application of physics is a primary function. While the programme is tailored to this audience, all those with an interest in the topics covered are welcome to attend.

Who you'll meet

Meet physicists from a wide range of disciplines, career stages and sectors. Delegates will include members of IOP special interest groups, researchers, industry professionals, educators, volunteers and emerging leaders in physics. The event is designed to encourage meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing and collaborations that extend beyond individual specialisms.

Beyond the conference

The connections made during the conference don't end when the event closes. Discover opportunities to engage with IOP special interest groups, collaborate across disciplines, develop your professional network and become part of a growing community of early career physicists. The relationships and ideas formed here can support your career long after the event.

Your next step

Interested in joining us? Register now to secure your place. We will keep you updated with event news and programme announcements as they become available. Once the full programme has been confirmed, we will contact registered attendees to invite them to select the specific sessions they would like to attend. Whether you're looking to expand your network, explore new areas of physics or share experiences with your peers, we'd love to welcome you.

Our Speakers

Coming soon ...

Programme at a glance

Full Agenda

The conference will feature keynote addresses, followed by a programme of talks and discussions organised by the following Institute of Physics special interest groups:

  • Atomic and Molecular Interactions
  • Electron Microscopy and Analysis
  • Low Temperature
  • Materials and Characterisation
  • Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
  • Medical Physics
  • Plasma Physics
  • Printing, Graphics and Imaging Science
  • Thin Films and Surfaces
  • Vacuum

The programme will also feature workshops and support from:

  • Early Career Members
  • Higher Education
  • History of Physics
  • Women in Physics
  • IOP Publishing

A full conference programme will be published by the end of April 2027.

KEY DATES:

1 December 2026 - Abstract submissions open

27 February 2027 - Abstract submissions close

30 April 2027 - Programme published

15 June 2027 - Final registration deadline

1 December 2026

Abstract Submissions Open

27 February 2027

Abstract Submissions Close

30 April 2027

Programme Published

15 June 2027

Final Registration Deadline

Registration Options

Register Now

The registration fee includes refreshments, lunch, and drinks during the Drinks & Networking session.

Please note: If you select the Member registration rate, you will be required to provide your membership number to complete your registration. Contact us if you are unsure of your membership number.

Registration closes in:

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days
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hours
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minutes
Institute of Physics Member
Fee
Member

£40

Associate

£20

Post-Graduate

£20

Non-Member
Fee
Standard

£80

Student

£40

Post-Graduate

£40

  • Associate/Student fee - Available to undergraduates, apprentices and trainees.
  • Post-Graduate fee - Available to students undertaking a Master's, PhD, or other postgraduate course.

Location & Venue

Venue

Nottingham Trent University

Newton Building

City Campus

10 Goldsmith Street

Nottingham

NG1 4BU

Accessibility

  • Step‑free access throughout the venue
  • Accessible entrances and lift access
  • Accessible toilets located near the main event spaces
  • Hearing loop in main conference areas
  • Contact us for any additional support needs

Meet the conference organising committee

Grahame Danby

Atomic and Molecular Interactions

Rob Gregario (Chair)

Early Career Members

Donald MacLaren

Electron Microscopy and Analysis

Bianca Sala

Higher Education

Alison McMillan

History of Physics

Andrew Armour

Low Temperature

Ben Spencer

Materials and Characterisation

Pieter Naaijkens

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

Ollie Pickford Scienti

Medical Physics

Kate Lancaster

Plasma Physics

Susanne Klein

Printing, Graphics and Imaging Science

David Ward

Thin Films and Surfaces

Keith Middleman

Vacuum

Semonte Mansur

Women in Physics

Sharon Connor

IOP Conferences Team

Tala Clark

IOP Student and Early Career Engagement Officer

Gemma Hougham

IOP Publishing