Peter Williams is the new president of the UK’s Institute of Physics. He came to the IOP from Oxford Instruments, where he had held a series of managerial positions since 1982. Williams is chairing a study on undergraduate physics education in the UK. The new study is a follow-up to the last big look a decade ago and is intended to gauge the effects on the field of developments such as a larger total student body, the folding of several physics departments, the introduction of tuitions, and increased pressure on faculty to show research excellence. The IOP also wants Williams to strengthen ties between the institute and physics-related industry. Williams took office on 1 October and will serve for two years. He succeeds Gareth Roberts.
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