Paul Howarth, the newly appointed President of the Institute of Physics (IOP), is a nuclear physicist with a passion for communicating the importance of physics to society. His journey began with a fascination for astronomy, influenced by his father's career as a research chemist and their proximity to the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory. This led him to pursue a degree in physics and astrophysics at the University of Birmingham, followed by a PhD in nuclear fusion, where he worked on the JET tokamak in Oxfordshire.
Howarth's career took an intriguing turn when he joined British Nuclear Fuels, driven by his fascination with the commercial side of physics and the monolith structures of nuclear power stations. He later became the CEO of the National Nuclear Laboratory, a role that involved managing critical nuclear infrastructure and advocating for the next generation of nuclear power plants.
His interest in nuclear physics and its potential for clean energy led him to the IOP presidency. Howarth believes that physics is a vital discipline with a massive impact on society, from data centers and artificial intelligence to net zero and medicine. His priorities include raising the profile of physics, ensuring schools are equipped to teach the subject, and increasing the number of physics teachers.
However, Howarth is also concerned about the recent funding cuts in particle and nuclear physics by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). He worries that these cuts could have a negative impact on university physics departments and the broader engineering sector, which relies heavily on physics expertise. The IOP is actively fighting for these critical areas of physics while also supporting economic growth.
Howarth sees parallels between the fusion industry's growth and the challenges it faces. He believes that small modular reactors and advanced reactor systems are opening up new opportunities for investment in nuclear power. As the IOP president, he aims to balance supporting all aspects of physics, including emerging areas, while protecting fundamental pillars of the discipline.
Looking ahead, Howarth is excited about the potential of AI in physics and the evolving relationship between cosmology, quantum physics, and quantum gravity. He envisions a future where physics can unite these fields, leading to groundbreaking discoveries. Howarth's leadership at the IOP promises to be a pivotal moment in the field, focusing on inclusivity, education, and the impact of physics on society.
