We are delighted to congratulate Prof Sir Keith Burnett, Chair of the Schmidt Science Fellows Academic Council, on his election as President-elect of the Institute of Physics Council.

Members of the Institute of Physics come from a vast background across the physics community in academia, industry, technician roles, and more. Sir Keith will be President-elect for two years from October 2021 before taking over as President for a two-year term in 2023.

With a worldwide membership of over 20,000, the Institute of Physics is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, focused on inspiring people to develop their knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of physics. The Institute of Physics is also a world-leading science publisher and trusted voice for the physics community.

The great challenges facing humanity demand a deep understanding of the problems we face and a determination to seek solutions together both within and across disciplines, so it is my great honour to be able to take on this role leading the Institute of Physics alongside my role as Chair of the Academic Council of the Schmidt Science Fellows. – Sir Keith Burnett

Executive Director for Schmidt Science Fellows, Dr. Megan Kenna, said: “In Sir Keith, the physics community is getting a genuinely caring and committed champion of science as the President-elect of the IOP Council. He has a formidable reputation and track-record, and in just a few years working with us at Schmidt Science Fellows, Sir Keith has shown a deep and thoughtful understanding of the needs of the next generation of scientists who we look to in order to help tackle the world’s big problems.”

On the announcement of his election, Keith said: “Physics helps us comprehend more about the fundamental nature and beginnings of our universe. Yet, insights from physics are found in almost every aspect of modern society and lie at the heart of vital developments across a wide array of scientific challenges in medicine, clean energy, and breakthrough technologies with the power to significantly improve all our lives.”

He continued: “The great challenges facing humanity demand a deep understanding of the problems we face and a determination to seek solutions together both within and across disciplines, so it is my great honour to be able to take on this role leading the Institute of Physics alongside my role as Chair of the Academic Council of the Schmidt Science Fellows.”

As Chair of the Academic Council, Sir Keith plays a pivotal role leading a tailored mentoring program for Fellows. Sir Keith will continue with his current level of commitment to Schmidt Science Fellows while serving as President-Elect and President of the IOP.