IOP Groups

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics Group

Newsletter, August 5 2004

Contents:

1. Preliminary announcement of AGM and call for nominations for election of chairman and ordinary members of the committee.
2. Announcements of meetings supported by the group
3. Announcements from the Institute of Physics which may be of interest to group members

1. Preliminary announcement of AGM and call for nominations for election of chairman and ordinary members of the committee.

   The Annual General Meeting of the Mathematical and Theoretical Physics group of the Institute of Physics will be held on or about Monday, September 20. The exact time and location will be announced on the group website and included in the announcement of AGM on Monday, August 30.

   One of the main items of the AGM is the election of new committee members and officers. Nominations are invited for the position of Chairman, and one or more ordinary committee members. Nominations should be proposed by at least two members of the group and be accompanied by the consent of the nominee, and should be sent to reach me (at the address below) not later than Friday, August 27. Nominations and consent may be sent to me by email (provided written confirmation is given later).

   The official Agenda for the meeting, (together with the names of nominees for the election of officers and committee members) will be circulated by email and will be available on the group website from Monday August 30. A preliminary agenda is:

   • 1 Apologies for absence
   • 2 Minutes of previous AGM, held on 20 December, 2003
   • 3 Matters arising
   • 4 Chairman's report
   • 5 Treasurer's report
   • 6 Election of Committee
   • 7 Election of Officers
   • 8 Any other business

Members are invited to notify me by September 13 of any other business of a character suitable for consideration at the meeting which they wish to bring forward at the AGM.

In the event that the attendance at the AGM is less than 12 members (the quorum required by our constitution), then the Meeting will automatically be adjourned and reconvene not less than one week later, at a time and location to be announced on the group's website. In accordance with the Institute's bylaws, the number of corporate members at this reconvened meeting shall be a quorum.

1. Announcements of meetings supported by the group

   Current Themes in Quantum Gravity: A Two-day Conference in Honour of the 60th Birthday of Chris Isham Imperial College, London
   September 6-7.
   

   Inspired by the 60th birthday of Prof Chris Isham, we are pleased to announce a conference whose aim is to take stock of the current status of quantum gravity, its mathematical foundations, conceptual problems and physical predictions for cosmology and black holes.

   13th UK Meeting on the Foundations of Physics University of York
   September 20-24

   This annual series of meetings was initiated by Euan Squires and Chris Dewdney in 1992, with the intention of promoting discussion and exchanges of views between physicists, philosophers of science, and others interested in conceptual issues in physics. The meetings have tended to be informal, and this year's meeting at York will be no exception. There will be no invited speakers (and therefore no registration fee!), but all participants are invited to contribute a talk. In addition to the talks, it is hoped to have some round-table discussions on topics in which there is a range of divergent opinions. Suggestions for such topics (and possible panellists) are solicited.

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2. Announcements from the Institute of Physics which may be of interest to group members

   Young Physicists' Conference
   19-21 November 2004
   University of Glasgow

   Are you a physics graduate who is under 32 or a physics student? If so, this is the conference for you. With a programme that features guest lecturers, transferable skills workshops and exercises, site visits, a trip to the Glasgow Science Centre, exhibition stands from employers of physics graduates, and a packed social schedule, the conference is sure to offer something useful whether you are a physics student or a working young professional.

   The first Young Physicists' Conference was held in 1999 in York, and since then has brought exciting physics to the cities of Chester, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol, and now Glasgow. The aim of the conference is to bring young physicists from the UK and Ireland together to share experiences, and gain knowledge in their field. It offers an excellent opportunity for networking, and is an ideal way to keep in touch with the young physics community.

   Come to YPC 2004 and see what it's all about! For more details please email ypc@iop.org or telephone +44 (0)207 470 4800.

   Young Professionals Award: Young Professional of the year

   Do you work with a great ambassador for physics? Are you an exceptional young professional physicist? If so, the Young Professionals Forum wants to hear from you! To match the existing awards for young physicists who have made significant achievements in research, we have introduced a new award for outstanding community work or increasing public awareness of physics. We are looking for a young physicist in industry, academia or elsewhere who should be able to fulfil one or more of the following categories: - improving the public perception of physics - organising events promoting physics in their local area - working in schools to aid understanding of physics To nominate someone for this award, or to be nominated, please contact mailto:sarah.connolly@iop.org for nomination forms - one for the proposer and one for the nominee. Please return to Sarah Connolly at the Institute of Physics by 30 October 2004.

   The Institute of Physics Einstein Year Grant Scheme

   Einstein Year is the UK and Ireland's contribution to the world-wide celebrations marking International Year of Physics. It is a unique opportunity to enthuse young people about physics and to highlight the contribution of contemporary physics to society. To make Einstein Year truly national, the Institute of Physics is encouraging individuals and organisations to run their own physics-based outreach activities in their communities during 2005.

   To support these activities, the Institute is offering awards of up to £1,500 through the Einstein Year grant scheme. Application forms and further information for Round 1 of the Einstein Year grant scheme are now available online at www.einsteinyear.org/get_involved/funding

   The closing date for Round 1 is 24 September 2004 and priority will be given to activities taking place in the first half of 2005. (The closing date for Round 2 will be 25 February 2005.) For more information on Einstein Year please contact Caitlin Watson, Einstein Year Project Manager (caitlin.watson@iop.org).

   10th IPEM Annual Scientific Meeting and IBEX 2004 Exhibition
   6-8 September 2004
   University of York
   http://www.ipem.org.uk

   The sessions provide a comprehensive programme covering the most recent advances in physics and engineering in healthcare. Parallel Meetings: Biennial Radiotherapy Meeting IoP Simulation and Modelling Meeting Technology Exchange Special Sessions:An Out of Body Experience: Management of Renal, Heart/Lung and ECMO Equipment Clinical Temperature

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   Gerard Watts, Honorary Secretary

   Address:
   Dr G M T Watts
   Department of Mathematics
   King's College London
   Strand
   London WC2R 2LS

   Email: g.m.t.watts@physics.org

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