Institute of Physics defends diversity record

Shadow science minister criticises institute for not addressing ethnicity, LGBTQ+ and disability concerns

The Institute of Physics has sought to reassure the physics community after it was criticised for a “complete failure to engage with criticism” over its diversity record, as pressure ramps up on the learned society to change its practices.

The IOP statement comes after Andrew Princep, a physics fellow at the University of Oxford, and 20 colleagues wrote in Research Professional News urging the institute to adopt a top-down approach to tackle discrimination in the sector.